A MOTORIST was caught over the limit while police were awaiting test results from an earlier drink-driving offence.

When Robert Ford was stopped as he drove through Bromsgrove on Wednesday, a breath test revealed he was over the drink-drive limit.

Droitwich magistrates were told that Ford was breathalysed last year at Powick, but that blood tests from that incident were finally available only yesterday.

Julie Rosamond, prosecuting, said the 37-year-old's car was pulled over on the A449 on Saturday, October 21, last year.

He was found to have 43mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, the legal limit being 35mcg, and later opted for a blood test.

He gave another positive breath test this week as he drove in Bromsgrove.

Ford, of Spenser Walk, Bromsgrove, admitted driving with 84mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood - the legal limit is 80mg - in October, and again with 43mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath this week.

He also admitted two charges of driving without insurance.

Richard Wilkes, defending, said Ford, who was offered blood tests on both occasions because he was so marginally over the limit, was a victim of circumstance.

"On the first occasion, my client had gone to see family in Malvern with his young son and never intended to use a car," he said.

"But a row broke out and he decided it wasn't safe for his son to stay, so he used the individual's car to return home."

Mr Wilkes said on Wednesday Ford was a passenger in his niece's car. She became unable to drive, so he took over to prevent them being stranded.

Ford was banned for three years and fined £455 with £55 costs. He also agreed to take a drink-driver's rehabilitation course.