A disqualified driver who was caught drink-driving in his ‘dream car’ while banned from the road has been spared jail.

Nuno Pedro, of Firmin Close, Ipswich, admitted driving while disqualified, drink-driving and using a vehicle without insurance when he appeared before South East Suffolk Magistrates Court.

Magistrates heard the 39-year-old had two previous drink-drive related convictions.

Prosecutor Colette Harper said the incident occurred at 2.40am on August 23.

Police saw a BMW being driven erratically in Yarmouth Road before it turned into London Road.

Mrs Harper said the driver of the BMW ignored the fact the officer’s vehicle had its lights on.

Pedro, who was at the wheel, then swung into a parking bay in Firmin Close so fast he nearly hit a fence.

When spoken to by police alcohol could be smelled on his breath.

A subsequently breath test showed he had 53 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35mcgs.

Mrs Harper said Pedro had previously been convicted of failing to provide a breath sample in 2004 and drink-driving in 2005.

He had been disqualified from driving in April this year under the totting up procedure. Pedro’s ban was due to expire on October 19.

Larissa Hutson, representing Pedro, said: “He says he bought the car in Thetford. It was a dream car he wanted.

“He accepts unequivocally he’s guilty of these offences.”

Pedro, a factory worker, was said to have had a meal with friends on the night of the offences, along with a couple of glasses of wine.

Mrs Hutson said he did not realise he would be over the limit.

Pedro was given a 12-week jail term, suspended for 12 months. He was also disqualified from driving for a year and ordered to carry out 200 hours’ unpaid work.

In addition Pedro must pay a total of £315 in costs and court charges.