A 67-YEAR-OLD disabled man faces jail after driving his mobility scooter while drunk.

A judge told Thomas Sheen, of Bridlebank Way, Weymouth, 'there is a very, very strong risk of a prison sentence being imposed' because the offence was in breach of a suspended sentence.

Sheen, who has suffered nine heart attacks and needs a walking stick to get around, admitted the charge when he appeared at Weymouth Magistrates Court.

Prosecuting, Richley Wood said police stopped Sheen in his scooter travelling along St Mary Street in Weymouth on November 3 to quiz him about another person using the vehicle.

Police officers found a half-empty bottle of cider in the basket of his invalid carriage and breath tested him, said Mr Wood.

Tests revealed he had 83micrograms of alcohol in 100millilitres of breath - the legal limit is 35.

The court was told Sheen was given a 22-week jail term in November last year but this was reduced to a two-year suspended sentence because of 'exceptional circumstances'.

He has two drink-drive convictions within the last 10 years and has been banned from taking to the road in a motor vehicle for 15 years.

In mitigation, Ian Graham said: "It is a very bleak position. My elderly client, who suffers greatly from medical problems faces being sent to prison today."

He added: "His health has deteriorated over the last year. The last thing this court would want is for someone to die shortly after going into prison.

"I would ask you to temper justice with mercy in this particular case."

Mr Graham said Sheen suffers from problems with his nervous system and recently underwent an operation on his intestine.

Deputy district judge Tim Pattinson warned Sheen that he may be jailed and added: "I am not going to conclude this case today because it seems to me that medical evidence should be placed before the court before sentence is concluded."

The case was adjourned and Sheen is next due to appear at court on December 6.