A PUB worker who drove after boozing has made drastic steps to combat his alcohol problem, a court heard.Self confessed heavy drinker David Rusher narrowly avoided jail after his second drink driving offence in five years.

A PUB worker who drove after boozing has made drastic steps to combat his alcohol problem, a court heard.

Self confessed heavy drinker David Rusher narrowly avoided jail after his second drink driving offence in five years.

Rusher, 44, who lives and works at the Red Lion, Martlesham, was banned from driving for three years and ordered to do 160 hours unpaid work in the community.

Sentencing him at South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court in Ipswich, bench chairman Bernard Hines said: "You came close to a custodial sentence."

Prosecutor Stephen Coleman said Rusher was followed by police after he was spotted driving erratically on December 2.

He said: "His (Rusher's) near-side wheels collided with the kerb twice and he narrowly missed a parked car."

Rusher was stopped in Foxhall Road, Ipswich, and a breath test showed 104 mcg of alcohol in 100 ml of breath. This is three times the legal limit of 35 mcg.

Diane Infanti, mitigating, told the court: "Since the offence he has taken drastic steps to sort out his alcohol problem.

"The shame and humiliation he brought on his family and employer prompted him to do something.

"His family and employers support him and have been impressed by his determination to sport the problem out."

The court heard he has been to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and is drinking tonic water and Horlicks instead of booze.

Magistrates also fined him £180 for not having insurance and no separate penalty for not having an MoT certificate, both of which he admitted.

He was also ordered to pay £43 prosecution costs.