A YOUNG driver was caught drunk at the wheel of his car only nine days after been banned, a court heard yesterday.

Edward Kippax, 18, of Fairview Flats, Leeming Bar, North Yorkshire, was disqualified for 18 months on March 17 for failing to provide a specimen and aggravated vehicle taking. On March 26, he was stopped by police while at the wheel of his Ford Escort.

Jane Cook, prosecuting, told Northallerton magistrates he was breath tested and had 92 microgrammes of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35.

In mitigation, the court heard that his mother had just moved to Switzerland and he was on medication for depression.

Kippax admitted driving with excess alcohol, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance. He was banned from driving for three years and given 100 hours of community service, a 12-month community rehabilitation order and a £200 fine.