A DRIVER was over the limit after drinking the previous night, magistrates were told.

Mark Robert Newman, of Mill Street, Leominster, pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol.

Prosecutor Shafquat Reaz told Hereford Magistrates Court that 63-year-old Newman was driving a Toyota Yaris on Worcester Road in Leominster at when he was stopped by police at 2.15pm on June 22.

Following a positive roadside breath test, Newman was taken to Hereford police station, where further tests revealed he had 55mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg per 100ml.

Christopher Read, for Newman, said he had been drinking alcohol the night before and had gone into Leominster that day to do some shopping.

He then went to a pub in the town for a drink.

"It seems likely that the drink he had the night before has has an effect here," Mr Read said.

"He has lost his job last week as a result of this, as it requires him to travel big distances and he cannot do it without his licence."

Newman was disqualified from driving for 16 months. He was ordered to pay a fine of £120, costs of £135, and a victim surcharge of £30.