AN IPSWICH architect is today beginning a three-and-half-year ban from the road after being caught drink-driving for a second time in five years.

AN IPSWICH architect is today beginning a three-and-half-year ban from the road after being caught drink-driving for a second time in five years.

South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court heard that Robert Stephenson, 51, of Valley Road, was three times the legal limit when breathalysed on December 30.

Colette Griffiths, prosecuting, said police were tipped off by a member of the public that the driver of a Mercedes car may have been drinking.

Officers checked the registration details provided and drove to Stephenson's home, getting there moments before his arrival.

The court heard that Stephenson had been out for the evening with a friend who needed to get home to take medication.

A decision was made that Stephenson would drive rather than the pair waiting for a taxi, magistrates were told.

A breath test recorded 105microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.

Ms Griffiths said Stephenson has a previous conviction for drink-driving, dating back to 2005.

Magistrates banned Stephenson from driving for 42 months.

He was also handed a community supervision order for 12 months.

Stephenson will also be made to attend a drink-drive rehabilitation course and pay costs of �60.

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