AN alert CCTV operator in Ely spotted drink-driver David Pearson as he staggered to his car in Broad Street in Ely and drove away. Moments later police were on the scene — Pearson was stopped in his silver Vauxhall Vectra and within six minutes of the rep

AN alert CCTV operator in Ely spotted drink-driver David Pearson as he staggered to his car in Broad Street in Ely and drove away.

Moments later police were on the scene - Pearson was stopped in his silver Vauxhall Vectra and within six minutes of the report he was being breathalysed.

"The use of CCTV is sometimes controversial, people feel Big Brother is watching them," prosecutor Matthew Bradbury told Ely magistrates on Thursday.

"But it proves its worth, detecting crime and keeping the roads safe. It was the alertness of a CCTV operator that brought David Pearson to the attention of the police."

Mr Bradbury said Pearson was unsteady on his feet, and under the influence of alcohol. He staggered to his car, got in and drove away. Two police officers who were told of his behaviour went to investigate, and followed him into Station Road. His breath test reading was 55 mcgs of alcohol in 100 mls of breath, when the legal limit is 35 mcgs.

Forty-year-old Pearson, of Downing Court, Swaffham Bulbeck, told magistrates: "This has ripped the heart out of me, I am sorry."

Employed by Rentokil, he had gone out on August 20 to look at a contract, and then went to a karaoke bar with friends.

"I had a couple of extra drinks," he explained. "I am gobsmacked, I am sorry."

Pearson was banned from driving for 15 months and fined £250 with £50 costs.