A MAN who was caught drink driving in a hotel car park as he went to travel 50 yards to his home has been banned from driving for two years.

Police found Andrew Clarey had 258mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood, magistrates in Newton Aycliffe were told. The legal limit is 80mg.

Prosecutor Phil Morley said officers stopped Clarey in a Ford Ka at the Parkhead Hotel near Coundon at about 4.45pm on April 22 as they said the vehicle was being erratically.

Mr Morley said Clarey, 34, of Park Avenue in Coundon Gate, was too drunk to complete a breath test so a blood sample was taken.

Clarey, who represented himself in court, said he was ashamed about the incident describing it as out of character.

Magistrates asked for a report from the probation service which said that Clarey had been drinking in the hotel bar after receiving some bad news.

The probation officer said Clarey was driving to his home 50 yards away and had not travelled beyond the car park before officers stopped him.

As well as being banned from driving for 24 months, Clarey was also ordered to pay £215 in fines and costs.