A drink driver who was pulled over in his gold Range Rover when he was spotted by police has lost his licence.

Ross McGuigun was stopped on Front Street, Consett, last month when officers suspected he had been drinking.

The 35-year-old was one and a half times over the limit when he was breathalysed, Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court heard.

Liz McGowan, prosecuting, said the defendant fully co-operated with the police during his arrest and interview.

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McGuigun, of Lilac Place, Consett, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol in his system.

Jaxon Taylor, mitigating, said: “He had a lack of judgement when he got into his vehicle after he had had a drink.”

The court heard how the defendant had lost the opportunity of securing a job following his arrest for drink driving.

Professor Richard Scothon, chairman of the bench, banned McGuigun from driving for 12 months and ordered him to pay £253 in fines and court costs.