A CONTRACT worker drove while over the legal alcohol limit after being abused because he was Scottish, a court has heard.

Arthur Knox was at an Evesham taxi rank after a night out, but decided to drive to his temporary home in Evesham Road, Norton, near Worcester.

Gemma Goode, prosecuting at Worcester Magistrates Court on Tuesday, said officers spotted the 42-year-old driving erratically at about 2.30am on Friday, February 8.

"They noticed the vehicle had swerved across the centre lane of the road and picked up speed," she said.

"They saw this vehicle enter the roundabout as if it was going the wrong way around and swerve and avoid the island."

Miss Goode said Knox then crashed the car into a tree. When tested he had 83mcg per 100ml of breath - the legal limit being 35mcg.

Jason Patel, defending, said Knox had fully intended to leave his car in Evesham and pick it up the following day.

"He received abuse in relation to him being a contractor and being here taking their work," he said.

"He did not know of any other way to get home. He appreciates now there were a number of other possibilities."

Knox, who pleaded guilty, was disqualified from driving for 20 months and fined £400. He must pay £60 court costs.