A BROMSGROVE man admitted getting behind the wheel when he was over the drink-drive limit.

Ben Maddox, 23, of Millfield Road, appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on Friday, November 13, where he pleaded guilty to driving when his alcohol level was above the limit.

Jackie Rogers, prosecuting, told the court that Maddox was initially pulled over by police in Stoke Prior just after midnight on October 31 for a faulty indicator on his vehicle, a Ford Fiesta, but they smelt the alcohol.

He failed a breathalyser test that showed he had 43mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath - the legal limit being 35mcg.

Maddox told the court he had been to the pub with mates and had three pints, not drinking an hour before he left the pub.

“I genuinely thought I was under the limit,” Maddox said.

Maddox was disqualified from driving for 12 months, which will be reduced by 12 weeks if he completes a drink-drive awareness course.

He was also fined £275, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £28, a criminal court charge of £150 and costs of £135 – a total of £588.