A FATHER has been banned from driving after being caught more than twice over the legal alcohol limit following a ‘police pursuit’ in Weston.

Robert Emler, aged 36, was arrested after driving his black Ford Focus, under the influence of alcohol, on Herluin Way during the early hours of May 1.

He admitted one count of drink-driving when he appeared at North Somerset Courthouse the following day.

Michael Collins, prosecuting, said: “PC Mason became aware of a police pursuit involving the defendant who wasn’t stopping for officers.

“But he recognised him from a previous meeting earlier in the day over a domestic matter when he (Emler) had been drinking.”

He said Emler was a man of previous good character and there were no similar convictions on his record.

Sue Cameron, defending, argued her client had not been involved in a police pursuit because the officers were travelling in an unmarked car.

She said once Emler had realised the police were following him, he pulled over and was breathalysed.

Emler, of The Causeway in Congresbury, had 77mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. He was more than twice over the legal limit of 35mg.

Ms Cameron said Emler had been visited by a psychiatrist after his arrest and would be at risk of losing his job in London if magistrates took away his licence for more than a year.

Magistrates sentenced him to a 17-month driving ban and fined him £725. He has also been ordered to pay £73 costs and £85 victim surcharge.

If he completes a 16-hour anti drink-driving course his ban will be reduced by 129 days.