A MOTORIST was four times over the legal alcohol limit when his vehicle was involved in a collision with a car containing a family, a court was told yesterday.

James Robson, of High Street, Byers Green, admitted drink-driving and driving without due care when he appeared before Bishop Auckland magistrates.

The 46-year-old denied driving while not insured.

Phil Bowlam, for the prosecution, said a reading of Robson's breath showed 122 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

Bolam had been driving his Jaguar car near Howden-le-Wear on May 25, when he pulled out in front of a vehicle, carrying a couple and their children aged seven, four and one, which caused a collision.

The mother sustained a cracked breastbone, one child suffered facial injuries and £2,500 of damage was caused to the family's car.

The case was adjourned for pre-sentence reports until July 30.