A CATALOGUE of disasters led to a man crashing his car after trying to drink his troubles away, a court has been told.

Rodney Stone had recently heard of his daughter's attempted suicide and the 48-year-old computer programmer's girlfriend had died suddenly while he was working away, Droitwich magistrates heard yesterday.

Stone, of Green Hill, near Hay-on-Wye, Herefordshire, admitted a charge of driving having consumed more than the legal limit of alcohol.

Droitwich magistrates heard yesterday that, on Sunday, April 15, another driver spotted Stone's BMW swerving along the Worcester Road, Malvern, causing vehicles to swerve.

"He pulled into Howsell Road and carried on driving in the same manner into Upper Howsell Road," said Alex Warren, prosecuting.

"The witness lost sight of the car, but heard a loud bang. He saw that there had been a collision, but the BMW was not in sight."

The car was found at an angle in Tanhouse Lane, with serious damage to the front. Police were called and arrested Stone.

Tests proved he had 141mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.

"He fully accepts the evidence that has been given. He's only surprised he was as drunk as he was," said Anne Brain, defending.

"He has suffered from a catalogue of disasters. One of his daughters tried to commit suicide, but he didn't hear about it for 48 hours afterwards. He is still in shock from that."

Stone was working in Yeovil and while he was away his girlfriend died suddenly.

"She had hepatitis and my client has had to undergo tests for the disease himself," said Mrs Brain.

"By Easter, he felt life couldn't get any worse. He wanted to wipe everything from his mind.

"He can't believe he did what he did, but it's prompted him to think what he needs to do about his health."

The case was adjourned until Monday, May 21, for pre-sentence reports.

In the meantime, Stone is disqualified from driving.