A MAN got behind the wheel nearly three times over the legal alcohol limit after the stress caused of recently losing his brother and sister, a court heard.

Trevor Cundick, aged 62, admitted driving his silver Peugeot whilst over the limit near his home.

Weymouth Magistrates' Court heard how Cundick had an alcohol level of 98 microgrammes of alcohol per 100ml of breath - the legal limit in England is 35 microgrammes.

Cundick, of Grosvenor Road, Shaftesbury, told the court he was suffering stress caused from losing both his brother and sister recently within a short space of time.

He said: "It [the stress] built up but I hold my hands up - I know it was wrong."

Cundick was also banned in 2014 for 24 months for drink driving.

Magistrates said: "It's fortunate we're not in this court for a more serious offence. It's a miracle."

Cundick was disqualified from driving for 40 months, and his current driver's licence is now void.

He was given an 18-month community order with a requirement to do 120 hours of unpaid work. He must pay a victim surcharge of £95 and costs of £85.