COMPANY director Thomas Scott-Paul gave an alcohol reading almost four times the legal limit after crashing his car into a ditch. Police were called to the scene of the road accident at a mini roundabout in Lisle Lane at Ely, and Scott-Paul admitted havin

COMPANY director Thomas Scott-Paul gave an alcohol reading almost four times the legal limit after crashing his car into a ditch.

Police were called to the scene of the road accident at a mini roundabout in Lisle Lane at Ely, and Scott-Paul admitted having drunk seven pints and a vodka and lemonade before driving home.

Ely magistrates were told that Scott-Paul had consumed the excessive amount of alcohol that night because he needed "Dutch courage" to do something, the details of which were given to the court in a letter from his mother.

He had given a test reading of 127 mcgs of alcohol in 100 mls of breath, when the legal limit is 35 mcgs.

"He is the director of a local company that deals in promotional products," solicitor Michael Judkins told Ely magistrates. "He has built up an impressive list of clients."

Scott-Paul, 28, of Kings Avenue, Ely, admitted drink-driving on April 23, and was banned from driving for 28 months and ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and pay �60 costs.

"He has told me he is deeply sorry and remorseful," added Mr Judkins, "it is not something he is proud of. It was totally out of character.