A PHARMACIST whose business collapsed admitted driving with excess alcohol and without due care yesterday.

Gavin Davis, 28, crashed his mother's Volvo into another car on the A6072 at Bishop Auckland, while more than twice the drink limit.

Helen Parkin, for Davis, of Etherley Grange, Bishop Auckland, told South Durham magistrates he was an alcoholic with "enormous problems". He had been forced to move back with his parents after his pharmaceutical business collapsed and had found out his grandfather was dying on the day of the offence.

Sentencing was adjourned until May 1, but Davis was banned from driving in the meantime.