A DRUNKEN off-duty delivery driver weaved down the road and mounted a central reservation while being followed by police, a court was told yesterday.

Ian Tempest, who had been banned for drink-driving in 2008, was nearly four times over the drink-drive limit when he was stopped on October 2.

The 47-year-old gave a reading of 124 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Blair Martin, prosecuting at Darlington Magistrates' Court, said a police officer spotted Tempest's car swerving along the road on the outskirts of Darlington. She switched her blue lights on and began to follow him.

"It was shortly after 9.30pm when she saw the car swerving in the road before it mounted a central reservation near Morton Park, " he added.

"She said the whole thing went on for some time before he stopped. The officer described the manner of driving as very erratic. When Mr Tempest did stop he got out of the vehicle and stumbled. He was slurring his words. He said 'I have been caught, I have been drinking'."

Tempest, of Redwood Close, Darlington, admitted drink driving and was yesterday banned from driving for three years.

Jane Scott, mitigating, said: "After being arrested, Mr Tempest made the decision to go straight to his employer and tell them about his ban, meaning he could no longer drive for them.

"He has always been a hard working man and often worked 20-hour days. On the night in question, he was having a rare night off and decided to go to the pub to meet some friends.

"He had not had a lot to eat and when he tried to get a tax, i he was unable. He then made the very foolish decision to get back into his car and travel from the pub in Middleton St George to his home in Darlington."

Tempest was given a 12month community order, and ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work and offered a place on the drink drivers' rehabilitation programme.