CHIPPENHAM NEWS: AN ALCOHOLIC from Corsham who lost his licence after drink-driving has been caught for the second time at more than three times over the limit and is now behind bars to protect the public.

David Brown, who suffers from epilepsy, was stopped by police in Pound Pill at 6.30pm on October 6 and gave a test reading of 130mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath well over three times the legal limit of 35mg.

Becky Abbott, prosecuting, told Chippenham magistrates' on Friday that 45-year-old Brown, a self-confessed alcoholic, had been disqualified from driving on July 1, when he was caught for the first time driving at three-times over the limit.

Speaking about the incident on October 6, Miss Abbott said when police officers ordered Brown to get out of his car he at first refused but fell as he tried to get out.

Miss Abbott said: "These are extremely high readings and he acted flagrantly against what the court had ordered."

Brown, of Guyers Lane, pleaded guilty at the hearing to driving with excess alcohol, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

Tim Hammick, defending, said Brown's marriage and job had fallen apart in the past few years and the stress had caused him to suffer bouts of epilepsy.

Mr Hammick said: "On this occasion he had heard some good news of some work near London and had gone to a rugby reunion to celebrate but then had discovered that one of his friends had committed suicide."

Mr Hammick said it was clear there was a risk Brown would drink-drive again if he was released and for his own well-being should be kept a close eye on in custody.

Sarah Gooch, chairman of the magistrates, said sentencing would be adjourned for psychiatric reports to be prepared.

She said: "We are not going to grant you bail. You have already committed another offence. You will be remanded in custody for your own protection and for the protection of the public."

Brown will be sentenced on October 20.