A MAN who raised more than £1,000 to help wounded comrades has been disqualified from driving.

Alan Smith, aged 48, admitted driving while over the limit at Worcester Magistrates Court.

The court heard how police followed Smith, of Melrose Close, St John’s, Worcester, from Homebase car park, in Hylton Road, to his home address after receiving a tip-off.

Matt Dodson, prosecuting, said a breathalyser test showed Smith had 45mcg of alcohol in 100ml breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.

Mr Dodson said Smith was seen driving his silver Volkswagen transporter van at about 7.45pm on Tuesday, November 3. When questioned, Smith told officers he had drunk four pints of beer, drinking the last one 30 minutes before driving.

Steve Daly, defending, said Smith was a self-employed carpenter who needed his van to transport tools and materials to jobs.

He said: “The effect of losing his driving licence will devastate his business. The building industry has been seriously affected by the economic problems.

“He has struggled badly over the last 12 months to keep his head above water. Ironically, he has just agreed a lucrative contact and he doesn’t now know how he will fulfil it.” Mr Daly said Smith had recently cycled 90 miles to Weston-super-Mare to raise £1,150 for injured soldiers in Afghanistan.

He said he had not intended to visit the Wheatsheaf pub, in Hylton Road, that day but had gone there after a call from an old Army friend. Mr Daly said: “This is a very sad day for Mr Smith.”

Magistrates disqualified Smith for 12 months, fined him £300 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

l Your Worcester News was the only member of the media at this hearing.