Anthony CarrollA drink driver who was nearly four times the legal limit and was seen weaving across the road outside a Norfolk hospital was banned from driving for three years yesterday.Anthony Carroll

A drink driver who was nearly four times the legal limit and was seen weaving across the road outside a Norfolk hospital was banned from driving for three years yesterday.

Simon Roberts was followed by an off duty police officer as he drove erratically along the A12 and by the James Paget University Hospital at Gorleston.

Great Yarmouth Magistrates heard that Roberts, 41, of Star Farm Close, Bradwell, narrowly avoided hitting a barrier and came within five feet of pedestrians on the night of February 21.

Rachel Balfour, prosecuting, said: 'He seemed to struggle to keep the car in the right lane.'

When stopped by a marked police car by his home, Roberts gave a breath test reading of 136 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath - 3.8 times the legal limit of 35 micrograms.

Annette Hall, in mitigation, said her client had got into the car after an argument with his new partner and at the time he was suffering stress because he feared he would be made redundant.

Miss Hall said: 'He did not think through the consequences of his actions. He has effectively let everyone down, including himself.'

After admitting drink driving Roberts was banned for three years, given a 60 day prison sentence, suspended for a year, and ordered to carry out 80 hours unpaid work,