A DOCTOR who owns his own business helping people with disabilities was caught drink driving.

Dr Marc Beal, 62, from Ocle Pychard, Hereford, pleaded guilty to drink driving a blue Audi A4 on the A465 at Withington.

Timothy Talbot-Webb, prosecuting at Hereford Magistrates Court, said Beale was spotted by a police officer at 8.25pm 'speeding' out of the Cross Keys Inn.

Beal was arrested and blew a test result of 48 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of breath at the police station, above the 35 limit.

Stephen Scully, mitigating, said the Beal had been on his way home from work when he stopped at the pub and had two drinks before going home.

Mr Scully said: "Unfortunately when he got home there was a domestic incident with his partner.

"He felt that he needed to leave the address and left for the nearest location where he felt safe. When he got to the pub he didn't telephone the police but consumed a further drink.

"Having consumed his third drink he had a message from his wife and decided to return home."

Mr Scully added that Beal has no previous convictions and a clean driving licence.

Magistrates disqualified Beal from driving for 12 months which could be reduced by three months on completion of a drink driving rehabilitation course.

He was also ordered to pay a £575 fine, £135 costs and a £58 victim surcharge.