A driver seen swerving his vehicle across lanes and driving at inconsistent speeds was more than twice the drink-drive limit.

David Farinde was spotted by police at the wheel of his Mercedes GLC 300 on the A2 near Ebbsfleet, on January 31.

The 37-year-old, who was previously convicted and banned from driving in 2021, was pulled over and later charged after failing a roadside breath test.

Farinde, of Celandine Close, South Ockendon, Essex, admitted drink-driving when he appeared in the dock at Medway Magistrates’ Court on February 20.

The court heard he gave a reading of 76 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, the legal limit is 35.

James Nichols, prosecuting, said: “It was about 10pm on a Friday evening and he was spotted by police on the A2 near Ebbsfleet swerving across the carriageway and was driving at inconsistent speeds.”

Magistrates also heard an empty bottle of booze was found inside his vehicle after he was stopped by the officers.

The prosecutor added: “An empty bottle of gin was found in the car and this is his second drink-driving offence within the last 10 years so he has to be disqualified for at least three years as it’s the second offence (within a 10-year period).”

Nadeem Afzal, defending, told the court his client had received some very bad news on the day he was pulled over.

Mr Afzal added: “In 2021 [when he was convicted of drink-driving] he had learned a lesson and he had, but on that particular day he found out his younger sister had been diagnosed with cancer and it was devastating news for him.

“He was 15 minutes from home and had been drinking at a friend’s house and he accepts it was wrong, but it’s particularly out of character for him to drink and drive.

“He had two drinks that night and had not eaten all day.”

Magistrates fined Farinde £607 for the offence and banned him from driving for 40 months.

He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of 243 as well as £85 court costs and if he completes a drink-driving course his ban will be reduced by 40 weeks.