A THIEF stole a car and drove while over the alcohol limit.

Nathaniel Bacon stole the Toyota Yaris from an address in Peacehaven in November last year.

The 44-year-old then drove the vehicle while over the drink-drive limit.

Police found there was 78 microgrammes (mcg) of alcohol per 100 millilitres (ml) of breath in his system. The legal limit is 35mcg per 100ml.

He appeared at Brighton Magistrates' Court earlier this month to face the charges, and admitted stealing a conveyance without the owner's consent, and drink driving.

Meanwhile he also admitted driving without a valid licence for the vehicle and driving it without insurance.

On the same day at Hammonds Drive in Eastbourne he was found to be in possession of cocaine.

Bacon, of Collingwood Close in Peacehaven, also admitted this charge.

Magistrates imposed a 12-week suspended prison sentence for the car theft.

They also fined him a total of £240 for possessing cocaine and for drink-driving.

He must also pay a £115 victim surcharge and £85 prosecution costs. The cash will be deducted from his benefits.

The magistrates decided not to impose a restraining order to stop him contacting the owner of the car, as they were not satisfied it was necessary or sought by the woman.

They also banned him from driving for 20 months.