A DRIVER got behind the wheel of his BMW whilst more than two times the legal limit and drove to a tip in Weymouth - before bumping into another car parked in front of him, a court heard.

Jason Vick admitted driving his blue BMW to Weymouth Household Recycling Centre, in Lodmoor Way, around 3.30pm on February 28.

Weymouth Magistrates Court heard how Vick, aged 53, of Alfred Road, Dorchester, had a breath level of 78 microgrammes of alcohol per 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35 mcg.

Prosecuting Richard Oakley said: "He had drunk alcohol before making his trip to the recycling centre.

"After arriving he caused a minor collision with a car parked in front of him at the centre.

"This prompted the driver whose car was bumped into to contact the police.

"Police attended and the defendant performed an alcohol test, which he failed."

Mitigating Lee Christmas said: "He's a man without any previous convictions. On the day in question he did not keep track of the amount of alcohol he had drunk before driving to the recycling centre.

"He's remorseful, embarrassed and ashamed of his actions. He's a married man with children and had a clean driving licence prior to this offence.

"He works for Condor Ferries in Poole and starts work at 4am - so disqualification or financial pressure could put a strain on his marriage."

A statement in support of Vick from Condor Ferries captain Shaun Burford was read out in court.

It said: "He's a man that shows good leadership skills."

Chair of the bench Stephen Corben said: "I'm sure you don't need to be told about the dangers of drink driving."

Vick was disqualified from driving for 17 months.

He must pay a fine of £403 as well as £85 court costs and a £40 victim surcharge - bringing the total to £528.

He was given the option of paying for a drink-driving rehabilitation course, which if completed would reduce the driving ban by 17 weeks.