A MAN who drove under the influence of alcohol and verbally abused police officers has been banned from driving for 19 months.

Richard Martin, 40, of Lennox Drive, Walcot pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle in Walsingham Road on September 7 when over the legal alcohol limit.

Prosecutor Keith Ballinger said officers in an unmarked police vehicle approached Martin’s silver Mercedes just before 8pm and told him to stop.

They said he then swore at them and accelerated into a nearby car parking garage.

“They saw the male get out of the driver's seat. He was aggressive, they asked him why he did not stop," said Mr Ballinger.

"There was a smell of alcohol on his breath. He was found to be over the limit and was arrested." 

Mr Ballinger said Martin then swore at the officers again.

Mark Glendenning, defending said his client regretted his actions.

“He accepts that he had been drinking. He was at a friend's birthday and had some drinks. He thought he was below the legal limit," said Mr Glendinning.

"He decided to put his car in a secure area. He knows this will affect him, he is a self-employed roofer and he knows his work is likely to change now.”

He was found to have 80mcg in 100ml of breath. The legal driving limit is 35mcg.

Chairman of the magistrates, Jonathan Chappell said: “Police officers do not deserve to be spoken to like that in any event. They were perfectly correct to stop you. You were significantly over the limit and your behaviour hasn’t helped your cause.

“You will pay a £300 fine, a victim surcharge of £30 and court costs of £85, a total of £415,

“You are disqualified from driving for 19 months.”