A SHOP manager who was three times the drink drive limit was grieving the death of his mum at the time.

Holland and Barrett manager David Cumbes was seen by police to clip a kerb in his Ford Ka in London Road, Worcester.

The 46-year-old of Cannon Street, Worcester, admitted driving with excess alcohol when he appeared before magistrates in Worcester on Thursday.

His solicitor asked magistrates to bear in mind the 'very human situation' he found himself in at the time, having suffered the loss of his mum the day before he was caught. He had not been able to see her before she died, the court heard.

The evidential reading was 114mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, well over three times the limit of 35mcg. Cumbes was stopped on London Road, driving away from the city centre, on January 6 this year.

Mark Hambling, prosecuting, said: "The vehicle was described as revving loudly. It has swerved and collided with the kerb. This is the reason police officers decided to take an interest. The initial report in relation to the vehicle came from members of the public expressing concern."

Cumbes was pulled over and provided a positive roadside breath test before the evidential reading was taken at Worcester Police Station.

"He provides a rather high reading. He's a man of good character as he appears before you today" said Mr Hambling.

David Howarth, defending, said his client's mother had died the day before at the care home where she was a resident.

Mr Howarth explained that his client had drunk whisky the night before and described what happened as 'a one-off situation, a very human situation'.

"He's aware he's going to face a lengthy disqualification. He works as the store manager of Holland and Barrett in Worcester," said Mr Howarth.

Magistrates banned him from driving for 24 months but was offered the drink drivers rehabilitation course which, if completed successfully, will reduce the length of the ban by 24 weeks.

He was also ordered to pay a fine of £461, a victim surcharge of £46 and court costs of £135.

Cumbes will have to apply to the DVLA to get his licence back at the end of the disqualification.