A GURNEY Slade man who was caught at the wheel nearly double the drink drive limit has been given a three-year driving ban.

Somerset Magistrates were told that Ashley Wedmore had a previous conviction for drug driving back in 2021 when he put his foot down and tried to speed away from the police.

When officers caught up with him driving on Nunney Catch roundabout he failed a roadside breath test and was arrested.

Wedmore, 31, of Marchants Hill, pleaded guilty to driving on the A361 at Frome on September 7 after consuming excess alcohol.

Andrew Meadows, prosecuting, said that the defendant was being followed by police through Shepton Mallet and was then seen to “dramatically increase his speed.”

“They followed him towards the Nunney Catch roundabout and the officers put on their blue lights and pulled him over in his Honda Civic,” said prosecutor Andrew meadows.

“When they spoke to him they could smell alcohol on his breath and he failed a roadside breath test and was taken into custody.”

A further test revealed a reading of 65mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, the legal limit being 70mcg of alcohol.

The court was also told that Wedmore had a previous conviction for drug driving in 2021 leaving him liable for a mandatory three-year disqualification.

Alongside the driving ban the defendant was fined £461 with a £184 victim surcharge and £85 costs.