DRINK driving after arguing with his girlfriend has cost a man £454 and his driving licence.

Michael Steven Race from Westgate in Weardale admitted driving while more than twice the legal limit when he appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court.

Prosecutor Blair Martin said police stopped Race, 29, in his Peugeot 306 at about 1am on December 16 on the A689 in Westgate.

Mr Martin said the stop was just a routine but Race, who was also convicted of drink driving in 2010, was found to have 75mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, the limit is 35mcg.

John Clish mitigating said Race had argued with his girlfriend and had gone for a drive to “clear his head”.

Race then stopped at a pub and was on his way back to his home in High Town when he was stopped.

District Judge Martin Walker said being twice the drink drive limit posed a risk to the public.

Race was banned from driving for three years and ordered to pay £454 in fines and costs.