A MAN who was caught driving whilst more than four times the legal drink drive limit has lost his license.

Luke Limond, 28, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court yesterday after police found him behind the wheel of a Vauxhall Astra on March 15 this year.

John Garside, prosecuting, said: "Police received reports from concerned members of the public about the manner of the defendant's driving.

"Police saw him driving, stopped the vehicle and spoke to the defendant who confirmed he had drank five pints with his friends."

Limond was arrested and taken to the station where a sample of blood was taken which showed he had 204mg of alcohol in his system. The legal limit is 50mg. He pleaded guilty to one count of drink driving.

David Malone, mitigating, said his client was "absolutely devastated" that he made the decision to drive.

He said: "He had gone to watch his local football club play on the Sunday morning and gone to the pub with friends after.

"It was the age old tale of not being able to get a taxi, so he decided to drive. He massively regrets his decision and the ramifications will be far-reaching for him, not least because he needs a license for work.

"He has never appeared in court before, it is extremely out of character for him."

Limond, of Castledene Road, Consett, was banned from driving for 22 months. He was also fined £120 and must pay £85 costs and £32 victim surcharge.