A DRINK driver who appeared in court described himself as an “idiot” before being banned from the roads.

George Crook said he did not feel drunk when he left a boxing event at Atik nightclub in Colchester High Street.

However, on Lexden Road, Colchester, a passerby rang police just before 9.30pm to report the manner of his driving, Colchester Magistrates Court heard.

Kathy Wilson, prosecuting, told the court: “His Ford Ka was being driven erratically along Lexden Road.

“He was all over the road and collided with some cones.

“A police inquiry showed the car had been loaned to a Mr and Mrs Crook by Lookers Ford in Colchester.

“Officers were flagged down by the member of the public who had a description of the driver.”

His car was found parked in Glen Avenue, just off Lexden Road.

Once Crook, 42, was located, a positive roadside test indicated he was nearly three times the limit with 97mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath.

The legal limit is 35.

Crook admitted to driving while being over the limit on August 20 when he appeared in court.

Police also noticed damage to both driver’s side tyres caused by a collision with a kerb, the court heard.

Ms Wilson pointed out his “unacceptable standard of driving” which Crook owned up to, as well as having had a drinking problem for the past year after a distressing bereavement.

He said: “I fully accept my idiocy. I was stupid.

“In hindsight, I shouldn’t have done it.

“To this day, I don’t know why I did other than for convenience.

“I’ve learnt my lesson by what’s happened.

“My wife’s left me because of the situation and I paid £2,700 for the damage on top of what I’ll be fined.

He added: “Ive stopped drinking completely now and am seeking help.

“Hands up, I’m an idiot.”

Magistrates were told about Crook’s seven previous convictions and 11 offences - the last being in 2012.

They banned Crook, of Sandmartin Crescent, Stanway, from driving for two years which can be reduced by six months if he undertakes a drink-drive rehabilitation course.

He was also handed a 12-month community order with 100 hours of unpaid work plus £170 costs.