A HANDYMAN has been banned from driving for three years after driving his van to a pizza shop to complain about a mistake with his order while drunk.

Kenneth William Hubery admitted drink driving when he appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court.

The 49-year-old of Angate Street in Wolsingham, County Durham, also admitted displaying disorderly behaviour towards the owner of the pizza shop in West Auckland on June 5.

Prosecutor Ann Darwin said the owner was leaving his shop when Hubery approached and started yelling abuse at him.

Ms Darwin said Hubery, who runs his own property maintenance company, said the owner’s shop had overcharged him for his pizza and shouted that he would close the business down.

Hubery was shouting and swearing at the owner and told him he knew “big people” who would close the pizza shop, adding that he would put the owner “in the ground”.

The owner tried to give Hubery his money back but the handyman got into his van and drove away with his pizza, the court heard.

He returned a short while later to shout at the owner again this time claiming the “order was wrong” the court heard.

Police were called and Hubery was found to have 72mcg of alcohol in 100mll of breath with the legal limit 35mcg,

Sam Brewster in mitigation said Hubery was devastated by his behaviour, although he said the pizza shop owner was abusive towards him as well.

Mr Brewster said Hubery had only driven a short distance from his partner’s house and was angry after being overcharged.

Magistrates fined Hubery £300 and ordered him to pay a further £85 costs and £30 victim surcharge.

He was also banned from driving for three years after magistrates heard he was convicted of failing to provide a sample nine years ago.

Hubery was also given a six month conditional discharge for his disorderly behaviour.