A DRINK driver who lost control of his Porsche and collided with a tree has been banned from getting behind the wheel for more than a year. 

Neil Bestwick had been drinking wine when he got into his car to drive to go to the shop and get food for his children's lunch.

The 50-year-old made the short journey from his home in Minerva Road, Bramley, travelling along Minchens Lane, where he lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree. 

He was found by a member of the public who called the emergency services. 

At Basingstoke Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, January 23, Bestwick pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle when above the legal alcohol limit. 

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The court heard that he had 102 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood - the legal limit is 80. 

Bestwick told magistrates that a driving ban would have an impact on his job as a general manager at Costco and would prevent him from driving to the stores he manages. 

He also said that there would be more strain on his family, particularly on school runs. 

In sentencing, magistrates told Bestwick that he was 'very fortunate' not to have been hurt in the crash. 

He was disqualified from driving for 14 months and fined £850. He must also pay £85 court costs and a £340 victim surcharge.