A SERVING soldier has been banned from the roads for 15 months after being caught drink driving in Colchester High Street

Freddy Dubois was pulled over after being spotted driving through the high street in the early hours without any headlights on.

Officers breath tested the 38-year-old by the side of the road and found he had 62 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Rima Begum, prosecuting, said: "The offence occurred at 2am on June 29.

"Officers were on patrol and they were travelling behind a vehicle which had no headlights on.

"They pulled it over and smelt liquor on the driver.

"He admitted he had had two rums and two beers and a roadside breath test was conducted. He provided further specimens in custody."

Dubois admitted one charge of drink driving at Colchester Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Representing himself, he apologised to District Judge Timothy King for "wasting his time".

Dubois said: "Because of my stupid actions it cost me my rank in the army.

"Life is an experience and this is one experience I never want to have again. I have learned the hard way."

Dubois is a citizen of the Seychelles but lives in Ebony Close, Colchester, where he has been serving as a section commander in the army.

District Judge King said: "I know the effect the disqualification might have on your career but you have to be disqualified.

"You were a danger to other road users, pedestrians and cyclists as anyone who gets behind the wheel after drinking is."

Dubois was banned from driving for 15 months. He was also ordered to pay a total of £428 in fines and legal costs.