AN unemployed scaffolder was almost twice the drink-drive limit when he rushed home after receiving bad news, Droitwich magistrates were told.

Ian Pokorski, aged 27, had received a call from his wife to say his grandfather had died and to come home quickly, the court heard.

Kiernan Cunningham, prosecuting, said he was spotted by police who thought he was exceeding the speed limit in his Alfa Romeo car.

When he stopped they asked him if he had been drinking and he said he had drunk a couple of pints. A breath test showed 64mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg.

Anne Brain, defending, said Pokorski had been to the garage to collect his car, which was being serviced.

He was called by his wife who said his grandfather had died and could he come home quickly," she said.

She explained that Pokorski, who had given up work to care for his seriously ill wife and his two young children, had been drinking spirits the previous day and then had two cans of Stella Artois lager on the day he drove.

"He believed he was safe to drive," she added. "He did not realise the spirits could still have affected him."

Pokorski, of Alder Grove, Evesham, admitted drinking and driving. He was disqualified from driving for 60 weeks, which could be reduced to 45 weeks if he successfully completes a drink rehabilitation course.

He was also fined £160 and ordered to pay £55 costs.