FOUR drivers who were drunk when they got behind the wheel of their cars were today counting the cost of their actions.South East Suffolk Magistrates' fined the four and sentenced them each to driving bans ranging from 18 months to two years.

FOUR drivers who were drunk when they got behind the wheel of their cars were today counting the cost of their actions.

South East Suffolk Magistrates' fined the four and sentenced them each to driving bans ranging from 18 months to two years.

Michael Anten of Avondale Road in Ipswich has yet to hear his fate but has already lost his job as a lorry driver.

Prosecutor Andrea Reynolds told the court police followed the 52-year-old along Nacton Road in Ipswich on Sunday October 28 because he didn't have a seatbelt on.

He was stopped in Benacre Road, Ipswich, where a breath test revealed 88 mcg alcohol in 100 ml of breath.

Mitigating Tanya Thomas said Anten had been to a pigeon show and then went out to watch live football at the pub.

He came home late which started an argument with his wife so left to sleep in his lorry. It was after he changed his mind and went back home to apologise that he was stopped.

He had pleaded guilty and the case was adjourned for pre-sentence reports until the afternoon of November 21.

Felixstowe man Robin Veale of Quilter Road, was given a two year driving ban after he was breath tested in Felixstowe on the afternoon of Saturday October 27.

Veale, who was not represented in court, told magistrates he had been out shopping that day and met with friend.

Police stopped him in Victoria Street where a breath test showed he was twice over the legal drink limit with 82 mcg alcohol in 100 ml of breath. The legal limit is 35 mcg.

The disgraced 48-year-old, who pleaded guilty told the court: "It was a foolish thing to do. It is not something I am in the habit of doing. I got waylaid by a friend and I stupidly drove my vehicle."

Veale was also fined £250 and ordered to pay £55 costs. His driving ban will be reduced by six months if he successfully completes a driver's rehabilitation course.

Michael Calver of Heath Road in Ipswich apologised to the court after he was caught drink driving on October 28.

The 20-year-old who has never been in trouble with police before was stopped along Foxhall Road in Ipswich on October 28. A test revealed 59 mcg alcohol in 100 ml of breath.

Magistrates gave him credit for his guilty plea and gave him an 18 month driving ban which will be reduced by four months if he completes a driver's rehabilitation course. He was also fined £100 and ordered to pay £55 prosecution costs.

Gareth Womble of Gosbeck Road, Helmingham, pleaded guilty to drink driving after police spotted him driving along with his bumper hanging off along Woods Lane.

A breath tested showed the 21-year-old had 59 mcg alcohol in 100 ml of breath.

Womble, who represented himself, apologised to the court. Magistrates banned him from driving for 18 months and ordered him to pay a £300 fine and £55 costs.