A FACTORY worker has been banned from the roads after drinking half a bottle of wine before getting behind the wheel.

Andrew Lewis admitted drink-driving when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford.

He had been spotted by police parking in the road and walking into a shop at The Oval in Hereford's Belmont Road at 6.45pm on March 31, prosecutor Eleanor Peart said.

Officers decided to speak to him and breath test him, and he was arrested after failing the roadside test. An evidential test in custody revealed he had 74 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Lewis admitted to police that he had drunk half a bottle of wine before driving and said he was mourning the loss of an uncle at the time.

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Charlotte Gregory, for Lewis, said the 54-year-old had been completely compliant with police and readily made admissions in interview.

"He has realised he made a mistake and is very remorseful," Miss Gregory said.

"He has never been in trouble with the police or courts and he has no explanation for that day. He was stressed and in mourning and had drunk some wine at his mother's house. She asked him to go shopping and he just did not think.

"It was a terrible mistake and the consequences will stay with him for the rest of his life."

Lewis had been suffering with his mental health and has been engaging with his doctor, but that things had got a bit much for him, Miss Gregory said.

The court heard the loss of his licence would be difficult for the Wiggins employee, but that he will be able to continue in his employment as he will be able to cycle to work.

Lewis, of Cagebrook Avenue, Hereford, was disqualified from driving for 19 months and fined ££500. He must also pay costs of £135 and a £50 victim surcharge.