A DRINK DRIVER who has been caught over the alcohol limit while driving three times in seven years has escaped a prison sentence.

David John Roberts, 26, of Archipark, Swimbridge, pleaded guilty to driving a black Ford Ranger on the A377 while almost four times over the limit, on Sunday, August 1.

North Devon Magistrates' Court heard that Roberts, who had previous convictions for drink driving, in 2003 and 2005, had 136 milligrams of alcohol in his blood on August 1.

The legal limit is 35 milligrams.

He pleaded guilty to drink driving, driving without insurance and driving without a licence.

For the prosecution, Mark Haddow, said Roberts, a self-employed builder, was driving from Barnstaple towards Weeks Lane End.

Police had described his driving as erratic and the court heard he was veering on and off the road, having near misses with hedges.

Defending himself, Roberts said he had been drinking all afternoon at Chulmleigh Fair and had consumed about 10 pints of lager.

He told the court he had wanted some cigarettes after an argument with his girlfriend.

He said he had a problem with alcohol because of his past family life but admitted to the court he had failed to do anything about his problem.

Roberts said he had no work or income and he would be prepared to do anything to avoid a prison sentence.

Presiding magistrate Susan Poxon said the amount of alcohol in Roberts' system had been "exceptionally high".

She ordered him to carry out 200 hours unpaid work and gave him a 48-month driving ban.

She said: "You have got to do something for yourself. You're too young to be in this terrible situation. You have to be punished because it was extremely dangerous, but you need to get yourself help and I'm disappointed you've not taken any steps to do it."