A van driver who was pulled over during the early hours of Christmas Day was found to be not only over the legal drink-drive limit, he also had no driving licence.

Catalin Guita was spotted at the wheel of his Ford Transit in Maidstone Road, Chatham, at about 4am on December 25 and was stopped by police.

When officers spoke to him they could smell alcohol on his breath and they asked to do a breath test.

Guita, of Beresford Road, Gillingham, was arrested and after more tests at a police station he was found to be over the legal limit.

The 31-year old gave a reading of 44 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, the legal limit is 35.

Further inquiries showed Guita had no licence or insurance to drive the van and he was charged with the three offences and admitted them when he appeared before magistrates in Medway on Wednesday, March 29.

James Nichols, prosecuting, added: "He has no other convictions and is of previous good character."

Defending himself, Guita said: "I deeply regret it, I apologise. I don't have any words."

Magistrates banned him from driving for 12 months and fined him £261 for the drink-driving offence.

He was also fined £261 for having no insurance and received no separate penalty for having no licence.

Guita was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £105 and £85 costs and if he completes a drink-driving course, his ban will be reduced by a quarter.