A DISQUALIFIED driver was caught driving after drinking until 6am, a court has heard.

Ceri Matthews admitted drink-driving, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford on January 27.

Prosecutor Ralph Robyns Landricombe told the court Matthews had been stopped behind the wheel of a Saab in Goodwood Walk on December 21, where he failed a roadside breath test.

An evidential test in custody revealed he had 139 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

The court heard Matthews had spent the previous night playing on the Playstation and drinking beer until 6am before walking to the pub that day, where he had another drink with a friend.

Matthews, who has previous drink-driving convictions, was caught by police after then deciding to drive to a shop just a few minutes from his home to buy more alcohol.

COURT NEWS:

Adrian Roberts, for Matthews, said the 39-year-old had lost his job after his arrest.

"He has a drinking problem and he recognises that," Mr Roberts said.

"The level of alcohol in his system that day was high, and he knows his liberty is at risk today. He is absolutely petrified."

The court heard Matthews had started drinking during the day after the breakdown of his relationship before Christmas.

"He was in the process of buying more alcohol when he was stopped," Mr Roberts said.

"He had not driven since his last disqualification in 2006 until his last job came along, and he decided to get a car to drive to work. He had insured it, but he had not realised he would have to pass a retest before driving."

Matthews, of Goodwood Walk, Hereford, received a 20 week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, was fined £250, and was disqualified from driving for 40 months. He must also pay costs of £135 and a £128 victim surcharge.