Motorist Paul De'ath was today starting a prison sentence after being found nearly five times over the drink-drive limit.

The 45-year-old was sentenced to three months in prison and banned from driving for five years at Basildon Magistrates' Court following the offence on March 14.

Chairman of the magistrates Geraldine Evans told De'ath: "We feel custody is appropriate because of the excessively high level."

"Your driving was out of control and could have caused an accident.

"We need to protect the public."

It was said to be the second drink-driving offence by De'ath, of Pebmarsh Drive, Wickford. He had already been banned from driving for 30 months and had worked community service.

De'ath, who the court was told suffers from depression and is unemployed, pleaded guilty to drink-driving.

In his silver Vauxhall Carlton saloon he was followed by two police cars, the court heard.

Prosecuting, James Brown said: "He was driving erratically and almost collided with the offside kerb in London Road, Wickford.

"Then at the junction with the Wickford bypass he pulled out in front of another vehicle, nearly causing an accident."

He was stopped and spoke to the police, who said he smelled strongly of alcohol and had glazed eyes.

At Basildon police station he was found to have 164 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres. The legal limit is 35 micrograms.

Defending, Mark Pearson said: "He only intended to have one drink and leave the pub, but he was informed someone he knew had died, which came as a shock."

Mr Pearson said the incident had made De'ath realise he had a drink problem and he suggested the magistrates give him a community punishment or rehabilitation order.

Published Tuesday, April 15, 2003

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