AN off-duty police officer helped spot a drink driver.

The eagle-eyed cop was driving on the A120 toward Horlsey Cross when he spotted that the Vauxhall van in front of him was swerving across different lanes.

He informed colleagues who caught up with Thomas Buckley who had made it to the A12 near Colchester and had pulled over in a layby.

The 25-year-old was found to have 42mcgs of alcohol per 100mls of breath. The legal limit is 35.

He admitted drink driving at Colchester Magistrates' Court.

Representing himself he said: "I understand what I did was wrong - I know I will get a ban but that may mean I lose my job.

"I have recently got married, have a young child and I am the only one who works.

"I may not be able to provide for my family."

Magistrates handed him a 12 month ban.

Buckley, of Gutteridge Hall Lane, Weeley, was also fined £400 and must pay another £125 in court charges.