AN elite paratrooper with a previous conviction for drink driving was caught behind the wheel of an unmarked military vehicle without a licence and over the alcohol limit.

Private Matthew Johnston, an “outstanding” soldier serving with 3 Para Sniper Platoon, was spotted driving a white van in Cowdray Avenue, Colchester, in the early hours of the morning.

Louise Maples, prosecuting, said officers stopped the vehicle as its lights were switched off.

She added: “The defendant said it was an unmarked military vehicle, but was unable to provide the relevant permits for driving the vehicle. He said he was driving back to the barracks.

“Whilst at the station checks were conducted showing the defendant only had a provisional licence.

“He has two convictions.One relevant matter is a conviction in July 2015 for driving with excess alcohol.”

Johnston was stopped by officers at around 3.10am on November 24 with a breath test recording 67mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg.

Appearing at Colchester Magistrates’ Court yesterday, the 23-year-old admitted charges of drink driving and driving a vehicle without a full licence.

Harry Laidlaw, mitigating, described his client as “embarrassed and apologetic”.

He read out a character reference penned by Johnston’s captain, which revealed the soldier has been a member of the elite platoon for two years.

“Private Johnston takes his job seriously, meticulously working hard to improve his own ability,” he said.

“He has a fantastic attitude and is well-liked and well-respected amongst his peers.”

The captain said the young private is eligible for a special promotion only available to soldiers performing at the highest standard.

“This is a pivotal point in his career, he is a huge asset to the British Army and I am concerned a punishment may cause him to resent the organisation,” he said.

“He is an exceptional young paratrooper, an asset to the platoon and his battalion. I firmly believe he had an uncharacteristic lapse of judgement and I am confident he will excel in Sniper Platoon in the coming years.”

Magistrates banned Johnston from driving for three years and ordered him to pay £485 in fines and court costs.