A drink-driver has been jailed for six weeks and banned from the road for five years.

Tony Stephens, 56, of Battle Rise, Heybridge, pleaded guilty to drink-driving, driving while disqualified and having no insurance at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court

Police breathalysed Stephens after his car was stopped in Maldon at 7.30am on Monday, March 16. The test showed an alcohol reading of 75 microgrammes – the limit being 35mcg.

Stephens was arrested and remanded in custody. The following day, magistrates ordered that he should be jailed because he had previously been disqualified from driving for similar offences in 2003, 2009 and 2011. He had also failed to comply with community orders.

Adam Pipe, casualty reduction manager at Essex Police, said: “This case highlights how police and the courts regard drink-driving as a serious offence that will be dealt with quickly and robustly.

“We patrol the roads all day, every day, and anyone who is tempted to ignore the drink-drive limit will be taken before the courts. We also urge anyone with information about drink-drivers or persistent offenders should call make us aware so that we can investigate.”