A 35-YEAR-OLD Dursley shopkeeper who was more than three times the legal drink-drive limit after a memorial service for his late father got behind the wheel of his car, skidded, hit the central reservation and mounted the kerb, a court heard today.

Antony Chari of High Street, Cam pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol in his system at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court.

The incident took place on July 22 and members of the public phoned the police, resulting in the defendant being arrested for drink-driving on Bristol Road, Gloucester.

Chari was found to have 119 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, the legal limit being 35 micrograms.

Prosecuting lawyer Sonia Alford said: “Police were on patrol in Bristol Road when they saw the defendant in a black Toyota Aygo.

“The car skidded and hit the central reservation and police then followed the defendant.”

He was stopped and the police smelt alcohol, the court heard.

“Members of the public in the area were alarmed and they had called the police,” said the lawyer.

Chari spoke from the dock, explaining that he was 'ashamed' of the incident.

“I have not done anything like this before and I am very ashamed at my irresponsibility," he said.

“It was a combination of my poor judgement and a very bad day. I have genuine remorse for letting myself down.

"I put other people and myself in danger."

Chari was banned from driving for 28 months, fined £440 and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs.