AN ENGINEER has been banned from the roads after he was caught drink-driving while going fishing.

Gareth James Wynn admitted drink-driving when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford on October 7.

Prosecutor Ralph Robyns Landricombe said police had spotted Wynn behind the wheel of his black Audi A1 at 7.40pm on August 14.

Officers believed the driver was under the influence and followed the 43-year-old until he stopped in Old Nursery Close, Ross-on-Wye.

The court heard Wynn smelled of alcohol, and he was arrested after failing a roadside breath test.

An evidential test in custody revealed Wynn, who is from Bromley Avenue, Urmston, had 64 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Emily Gourley, for Wynn, said the engineer was going through a divorce and had decided to drive to Ross to go fishing after an argument with his wife.

"He was going through a very tough time and was struggling with his mental health," Mrs Gourley said.

"Since the offence, he has gone into voluntary rehab, and says this has benefitted him. He has not had a drink since before he went to rehab, and he is doing as much as he can to get back on track."

Wynn was disqualified from driving for 16 months and fined £120. He must also pay costs of £135 and a £34 victim surcharge.