A LONG-DISTANCE lorry driver will lose his job after he crashed a car in Worcester when more than twice the legal alcohol limit, a court was told.

Mark Bridges, aged 53, of Ploughmans Way, Droitwich, admitted drink-driving at Worcester Magistrates Court on Friday (February 27).

He was recorded with 88mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath – the legal limit is 35mg – following an crash in Bath Road, Worcester on the morning of Friday, February 6.

Bridges collided with a taxi and van before his car ended up in a garden.

Mark Soper, prosecuting, said: “Mr Bridges’ car collided with a taxi, then hit a Mercedes van.

“Officers attended and made a search of the area.

“They found the driver in The Albion Inn about 300 yards away and road side tests were positive.”

Barry Newton, defending, said: “Mr Bridges met a friend and had consumed too much alcohol. The idea was for him to stay at his friend’s house.

“What possessed him to get into his vehicle heaven only knows.

“The effect of that decision is going to be profound.

“He is a career HGV driver who does continental driving.

“He has been suspended on full pay and expects to be dismissed. He is looking for an alternative career.

“The stupidity of his actions will have the most dramatic impact on his life going forward and he apologises to the court.”

District judge Nigel Cadbury said: “I take into account that you have never been in trouble before and that this is going to hit you very hard.”

Describing his decision as “fairly generous", the judge banned Bridges from driving for 18 months and ordered him to pay a £400 fine, £85 in costs and a £40 victim surcharge.