An Ipswich man who drove along the A120 in Essex while more than twice the drink-drive limit had been out wetting his baby’s head, a court heard.

Lee Gough, of Nacton Road, was pulled over by police who spotted him driving slowly and swerving between lanes on the dual carriageway at Great Bentley at 3.12am on April 23.

Gough, 32, was behind the wheel of his friend’s silver Vauxhall Corsa, which he was also not insured to drive, and gave a breath test of 72 microgrammes per 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.

He admitted drink-driving and driving without insurance during a hearing at Colchester Magistrates’ Court today, May 23.

Gough, who represented himself, told magistrates he had a newborn baby and he had been wetting the baby’s head with a friend who had bought a crate of beer.

His friend began to drive, but asked to swap with Gough after feeling dizzy.

Gough told the court: “I didn’t feel completely drunk, but obviously I was over the limit. I was OK I thought. I’m sorry for what I have done, I really am.”

Chairwoman of the bench Linda MacKenzie fined Gough £240, ordered him to pay £85 costs and £30 to the victim’s fund.

Gough was also banned from driving for 20 months, but was offered the drink-drive rehabilitation course which could see his disqualification shortened.