A MAN had to be taken to hospital after crashing his car while driving under the influence of alcohol.

Daniel Pettican, aged 41, gave a reading of 54mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath – the legal limit is 35mcg – following a crash in Callow End.

Pettican, of Newtown Road, Malvern, admitted drink-driving when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court.

Sarah Stock, prosecuting, said the incident happened at 12.45am on Saturday, April 13.

“He was driving his vehicle in the direction from Worcester. On reaching the 30mph zone he was going too fast and lost control, colliding with a bank and then into a wall,” she said.

“A roadside breath test was carried out which was positive.

“He was taken to hospital and did not carry out a reading at the police station until 4.30am. It was much higher at the time of the accident.”

In interview, Pettican said he was driving from Droitwich to Malvern and said he had been drinking but did not feel drunk.

Mrs Stock said he also accepted he had been travelling at excess speed.

Pettican, defending himself, said: “I apologise for wasting the court’s time.

“I did not realise I was over the limit.

“I had a large meal quite a few hours beforehand.”

He was fined £200 and disqualified from driving for 12 months.

He must also pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.