DRINK driver David Ball has admitted being four times over the limit to get behind the wheel for a mercy mission.The Ipswich boat and lock keeper pleaded guilty to the crime for the second time in eight years at South East Suffolk Magistrates Court.

By Tracey Sparling

DRINK driver David Ball has admitted being four times over the limit to get behind the wheel for a mercy mission.

The Ipswich boat and lock keeper pleaded guilty to the crime for the second time in eight years at South East Suffolk Magistrates Court.

He denied driving without insurance, and MoT and otherwise in accordance with a licence.

Prosecuting, Gareth Davies said Ball, 55, of Bramford Road, was found with 141 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath in Portman Walk, Ipswich. The legal limit is 35 mcg.

He said: "The vehicle was seen meandering, and mounted the kerb on more than one occasion. When police stopped Mr Ball, he provided specimens, was charged and held in custody."

He said Mr Ball told police he had a previous conviction for drink driving in 1994.

Mitigating, John Hughes said: "He cares for a nine-year-old son on his own. A neighbour looked after the son while Mr ball went for a drink, but instead of going out he sat at home drinking gin all day.

"Then his 91-year-old mother telephoned to say his father was not very well, asking could he come round.

"Without thinking, he drove to Foxhall Road.

"He has co-operated with police and accepts responsibility for this. His wife walked out on him five years ago. He says he has been banned before and knows he will be banned for three years because of that," the court was told on Wednesday.

The case was adjourned to December 6, and Ball was remanded on unconditional bail.

Magistrates ordered a pre-sentence report to include all options, and imposed an interim driving ban.