A man who was more than twice the legal limit when he crashed his car head on into another vehicle, writing it off and hospitalising both people inside, has been banned for two years.

Ian Ridger drove his Ford Fiesta along the A264 Pembury Road on the morning of January 24, when he swerved across the road and into the path of an oncoming car.

Three people, including Ridger, were taken to hospital following the crash, with one cut free from the wreckage.

When tested the 43-year-old, of Woodhill Park, Pembury, who was arrested at the scene, had 170 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. The legal limit is 80 milligrams.

The court heard how Ridger was hugely embarrassed by what happened and had not drunk or driven since the incident.

The health worker, who was convicted in 2002 for the same offence, claimed he had been busy planning his parent’s 50th wedding anniversary in the pub the night before the crash and had not realised his friends were topping up his drink.

In addition to the ban Ridger, who pleaded guilty to the charge at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on Friday, was fined £500 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £50 victim surcharge.