DRIVER CALLED POLICE: A motorist contacted police after he followed a car being driven erratically, Wirral Magistrates heard.

Prosecutor Helen Chambers said the witness claimed 28-year-old Christopher Richard Powell had come close to hitting pedestrians and parked vehicles at Greasby.

He provided a breath test which showed almost three times the legal alcohol limit.

Powell, a contracts manager, of Leaway, Greasby, admitted drink-driving.

Keith Webster, defending, said it was a tragedy for Powell who told police at the time: “I deeply regret what has happened.”

Mr Webster said Powell had been drinking with friends and then drove the short distance back home. It was a foolish and horrendous decision. It was totally out of character.

He said references produced on Powell’s behalf spoke volumes for him.

Powell was fined £500 plus £100 costs. He was given an 18-month driving ban and offered a course which if completed would cut the period by a quarter.

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OPPORTUNIST THEFT: A young Birkenhead man faced magistrates for what his solicitor Paul Davidson called "an opportunist theft."

Luke Brown, 20, of Hanthorne Street, admitted stealing items worth £13 from Green Lane Service Station in New Chester Road.

He was caught on cctv committing the offence after arriving with a friend at the garage for fuel and was questioned later.

Magistrates granted a 12-month conditional discharge.

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CANNABIS FOUND: Cannabis was found on a 47-year-old man detained during a disturbance.

Phillip Andrew Carr, of King Street, Wallasey, admitted unlawful possession of the controlled drug when he appeared before magistrates.

He was fined £35 and also had to pay £50 towards costs.

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DRIVE BAN FOR SOLDIER: Being banned from driving would have huge consequences for a soldier attached to the Royal Tank Regiment, defence solicitor Quentin Neale told magistrates.

He represented 21-year-old David William Scott, of Pasture Avenue, Moreton, who admitted drink-driving in March.

Mr Neale said Lance Corporal Scott was an exemplary soldier who landed in court through making a silly mistake.

Prosecutor Helen Chambers said Scott was questioned after travelling at excess speed in Tower Road, Birkenhead, at 4am on March 3.

He gave a breath test which showed 83 microgrammes of alcohol. The permitted level is 35.

Scott, who was described by his regimental commander as an outstanding soldier in the top third of the regiment, was given a 12-month ban and offered a course which if completed successfully will cut the length by a quarter.

Magistrates imposed a fine of £300 and he must also pay £100 costs.

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FINED FOR DRUGS: Magistrates imposed a £65 fine on a 26-year-old man found with cannabis at Wallasey.

Sean Mighall, of Hood Street, Wallasey, admitted unlawful possession of the class B drug on March 9.

He must pay £100 costs and the cannabis seized was forfeited.

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STOLE TO PAY DRUG DEBT: A young man who stole so he could pay off a drugs debt appeared before magistrates.

The theft took place while 20-year-old Kieran Michael Hilliard was a guest at a house in Devonshire Road, Birkenhead.

Hilliard, of Howbeck Road, Birkenhead, admitted taking DVDs and a game valued at £350.

The items were traded in for £47.

A probation officer said Hilliard owed money for drugs and had received threats of violence over the matter. The drug debt had now been paid off.

Magistrates made a 12-month supervision order to include attending a "Thinking Skills" programme but Hilliard must pay £350 compensation and £35 towards court costs.