A DRINK driver was nearly twice the limit when caught on a Herefordshire A-road.

Dean White, a self-employed bricklayer, of Beattie Avenue, Hereford, was driving a Vauxhall Vivaro on the A438 at Tarrington on June 16. 

Mark Hambling, prosecuting at Hereford Magistrates Court, said two police officers noticed a man not wearing a seatbelt while driving a van at the Trumpet crossroads at 8pm. 

The van was stopped, added Mr Hambling, and White was asked to provide a roadside breath test, which was positive.

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"He was taken to custody and the reading was 68mg [per 100ml of breath]," said Mr Hambling.

"He does have previous convictions. In 2021, he failed to provide a specimen and was disqualified from driving."

White pleaded guilty to excess drink driving, driving a vehicle while not having third party insurance or a licence to do so, and not wearing a seat belt. 

In defence, Chris Reid said White had been out drinking in the day when as friend asked him if he could do him a favour. 

"Mr White was prepared to help him, got to Ledbury and was driving back to Hereford," said Mr Reid.

"He assumed the van would have insurance because it was his friend’s."

Magistrates disqualified him from driving for three years and for the excess driving offence as well as fining him £120. He also has to pay the same amount for having no insurance, with court costs of £135 and a victim surcharge if £48 also added.