A BUILDING firm worker ran away from police after panicking in a Hereford drink-drive stop.

Michael Wood admitted drink-driving when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford.

Police were called to a report of a possible drink-driver in Hereford on June 20, prosecutor Elizabeth Blacklock said.

They caught up with Wood, who was driving a Volkswagen Golf, in Victoria Street and followed him, turning their blue lights on and pulling him over in Friars Street.

But as officers tried to speak to Wood, he ran off up Friars Street, where he was arrested a short time later, the court heard.

A breath test revealed he had 53 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

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Chris Read, for Wood, said the 33-year-old had been pulled over but there had been a delay in breath testing him as police did not have the kit in their car.

"He panicked and decided to run off," Mr Read said.

"He got no more than 20 metres before he stopped. He worked for a firm in the building industry and it is a pre-requisite that he can drive, so he panicked.

"Unfortunately his worst fears have come to pass. His employer has told him he cannot stay in his job if he cannot drive."

Wood, of Moorfield Street, Hereford, was disqualified from driving for 14 months and fined £120. He must also pay costs of £135 and a £34 victim surcharge.