A SELF-employed builder has been unable to work after being banned from the roads for a drink-driving offence, Worcester Crown Court was told.

Jack Philpott was arrested in Graham Road, Malvern, after police saw his VW Golf carry out a “curious” manoeuvre at 2.30am on April 22, said prosecutor Nicolas Cartwright.

A breath-test showed a reading of 58mcg compared with the limit of 35. Philpott, aged 21, of Marlborough Gardens, Malvern, was immediately disqualified when he pleaded guilty before magistrates on May 4.

When he appeared for sentence at crown court, it was revealed that he had been given a suspended jail sentence for being involved in an affray.

Jason Aris, defending, said Philpott had been in an emotional state after the death of his father but he had already completed 109 hours of unpaid work imposed by magistrates.

Judge Robert Juckes, sitting with magistrates, said it had been decided not to activate the suspended jail sentence.

But there would be a 12-month supervision order with an additonal 50 hours’ unpaid work. Philpott must also pay £80 costs and a £15 surcharge.

He would be banned for 16 months, reduced by a quarter if he undertakes a driving awareness course.