A half-mile drive under the influence of drink will cost a self-employed carpenter his livelihood.
Matthew Wood (28) chose to drive instead of walking back from a family party in the early hours of the morning on June 2.
Rebecca Ritson, prosecuting, said police spotted Wood’s VW Golf “accelerating hard” along New Road towards Bridge Road, Sutton Bridge shortly after 1am.
An officer followed and was of the opinion the driver was “trying to get away from him”.
The officer breath-tested Wood and the evidential test at the police station showed 58 microgrammes of alcohol in breath, 23mcgs above the legal limit.
Wood, of Tycho Close, Sutton Bridge, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol.
He was fined £300 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
Spalding magistrates will allow him to cut three months off a year-long ban if he completes a rehabilitation course.
Solicitor David Lee, mitigating, said Wood relies on his licence for work.
He said: “It looks as though he is going to lose his employment, his livelihood.”
Mr Lee said Wood attended a family party and was going to walk the half mile home, but that changed.
He said Wood was not trying to evade the officer and was not aware he was being followed.