Two drink-drivers are already facing Christmas without their licences having been banned by South East Suffolk Magistrates Court.

Warehouseman Christopher Lawrence was disqualified from driving for 18 months after being caught behind the wheel in Ipswich Hospital car park while more than twice the limit.

The 38-year-old, of Ashground Close, Trimley St Martin, was arrested on November 7 after police were alerted by a member of the public.

Lawrence had been driving his Toyota Avensis at the time.

A breath test showed he had 74 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 mcgs.

Lawrence admitted drink-driving at his first hearing.

In addition to his driving ban, he was fined £120 and told to pay £20 to the victims’ fund. He was also ordered to pay £85 towards prosecution costs.

Meanwhile, Alan Bettles, of Birkfield Drive, was stopped by police while driving a Ford Mondeo in Church Road, Tattingstone.

A member of the public had seen the 64-year-old driving away from a pub car park at around 8.35pm on November 8.

A breath test showed he had 42mcgs of alcohol in 100 mls of breath.

Bettles was disqualified from driving for 12 months. He was also fined £110 and ordered to pay £20 to the victims’ fund and £85 costs.