A Pembroke man was banned from the road for 18 months after admitting driving over the blood-alcohol limit.

Paul Gatutha, 43, of Pembroke, pleaded guilty in Magistrates’ Court this morning in connection to an incident that took place on September 26.

The court heard that at about 11pm that day, officers were on mobile patrol on North Street in Pembroke when they saw Gatutha riding a motorcycle north on Court Street. He then turned on to North Street without stopping.

Police noticed that the vehicle was swerving within the eastbound lane, almost striking the nearside curb.

Gatutha was stopped and questioned, at which point he admitted to officers that he had a drink at Port O’ Call. He was arrested and taken to Hamilton Police Station, where he agreed to provide a breath sample.

A breath test revealed that Gatutha had 125mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood, about 50 per cent above the legal limit of 80ml.

After pleading guilty, Gatutha apologised to the court for his poor judgment.

Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo fined him $1,200 and banned him from operating all vehicles for 18 months.