A TEENAGE driver was arrested for drink driving near to his Kingsmead home in the early hours of the morning, a court has heard.

Joseph Hooper, of Monarch Drive, admitted driving a Volkswagen Polo while over the limit when he appeared at Chester Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, March 16.

The proportion of alcohol in the 19-year-old's system was 55 microgrammes in 100 millilitres of breath.

The legal limit is 35 microgrammes in 100 millilitres of breath.

Sarah Gray, prosecuting, said Hooper was stopped by police in Monarch Drive at 4am on February 28 because he appeared to be going faster than the 20mph speed limit.

She said that when the officer spoke to Hooper he seemed intoxicated, was arrested and spent the night in a cell.

Defence solicitor Mr Hooper said: "The officer remarked that he thought Joseph was going a little quickly but there's no suggestion it was dangerous and he wasn't involved in any kind of accident.

"Due to the fact that the incident took place in the early hours of the morning, roads were quiet and there was little in the way of pedestrian activity at that time.

"First and foremost he accepts completely that what he has done is wrong and doesn't want to make any excuses.

"He accepts he had had some alcohol on the night in question and did feel he was okay to drive.

"Clearly he wasn't and the reading reflects that.

"He accepts completely that that decision was foolish and stupid and that foolish and stupid decision is going to cost him dearly."

He added: "He's extremely sorry and not going to make this mistake again."

Magistrates fined Hooper £270, ordered him to pay £85 court costs and a £27 victim surcharge, and banned him from driving for 14 months.

They also gave him the chance to attend a drink drive rehabilitation course, which could reduce the ban.