AN 'agitated' and abusive drink driver was more than two and a half times the limit when he crashed into another car after downing 'six or seven pints'.

Zachariah Hands of Fairfield Road, Evesham, admitted driving with excess alcohol when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday.

The 34-year-old was in Four Pools Lane, Evesham when his Peugeot 306 was involved in the shunt on March 9. An evidential specimen of breath later showed 88mcg of alcohol in 100mml of breath, two and a half times the legal limit of 35mcg. However, his solicitor said he did not believe the accident was his fault.

Eleanor Peart, prosecuting, said: "The defendant was very agitated and was being verbally abusive towards others in the area of the collision."

Hands failed a roadside breath test before an evidential reading was taken at the police station. Miss Peart went on to describe Hands as 'abusive and swearing' and that he 'would not comply with instructions'.

Hands was later to tell officers he had 'between six and seven pints' and 'felt okay to drive but knew he shouldn't'.

He had no previous convictions and his only caution was 'of some age'.

Jo Outhwaite, defending, said her first and foremost submission was his timely guilty plea. She said he had left his car at a pub which was within walking distance of his home.

"His initial intention was to leave the vehicle there" said Mrs Outhwaite. However, he met a woman at the pub and took 'the very foolish decision to drive back to her property which wasn't within walking distance'.

"There was a road traffic collision. He's not charged with any other offence in respect of that. He states that he wasn't at fault for the accident," she said.

She explained he was in 'gainful employment' working as a car paint sprayer and in body repairs and would now have to get to Longbridge where he worked.

Hands said he would have to get the train. "It is what it is. It can be done" he said from the dock.

Magistrates banned him from driving for 20 months. They also fined him £500, ordered him to pay a victim surcharge of £50 and costs of £135.

A drink driver's rehabilitation course was offered. If completed successfully this will reduce the ban by 18 weeks.