THE former chairman of Kempsey Parish Council has been banned from driving for three years after getting caught drink driving for the second time in ten years.

Richard John Michael, more commonly called "John Michael", admitted driving with excess alcohol when he appeared before magistrates in Worcester on Friday.

Michael, who was parish council chairman earlier this year and is still a serving parish councillor and a serving independent Malvern Hills district councillor for Kempsey (Democratic Group), was stopped in his Ford Fiesta by police on the A449 travelling between Kidderminster and Worcester on Tuesday, June 30.

The 67-year-old of Meadow Close, Kempsey, received a breath test which was positive and he was arrested at 10.50pm. The reading was 43mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, above the limit of 35mcg.

Kerry Lovegrove, prosecuting, said he had a previous disqualification from 2008 for driving with excess alcohol which left him facing a minimum ban of three years.

If someone is convicted twice of driving with excess alcohol within a 10 year period they face a minimum three year ban.

Mrs Lovegrove said: "Police caused a Ford Fiesta to stop because of the speed. They spoke to the defendant and smelled alcohol on his breath."

Brian O'Connell, defending, said: "The reading was 43 which is just over the limit as far as prosecution is concerned. Within half an hour of the process being carried out at the police station he was breathalysed and allowed to drive home.

"This is the second offence (of driving with excess alcohol). The last one was back in 2008. That will mean an automatic disqualification of a three year period."

Mr O'Connell said Michael had been to see an old work colleague and they had a meal.

Michael had two glasses of wine during the course of the meal.

Mr O'Connell said: "He waited the best part of an hour so the alcohol would work through his system. I'm afraid he misjudged. He only just misjudged.

"Within an hour of being at the police station he was released. He appreciates it will be a disqualification.

"He deeply regrets what has happened. He is not in the habit of consuming vast amounts of alcohol."

He said the ban would have an effect on him and others as Michael's wife has glaucoma and is unable to drive and he also has an elderly mother-in-law in Malvern.

Magistrates fined Michael £400, ordered him to pay costs of £105, a court charge of £150 and a victim surcharge of £40.

He was disqualified from driving for three years but was offered a course which, if completed successfully, will result in a 25 per cent reduction in the length of the ban.

He must complete the course by August 26, 2017.

Mr Michael declined to comment after the hearing.