A former Eastbourne councillor has pleaded guilty to being more than four times the legal drink-drive limit.

Town magistrates heard that Bob Backhouse, 44, was found confused and smelling of alcohol when police found his Ford Granada parked partly on a pavement.

As officers watched, Backhouse, of Brimstone Drive, Eastbourne, drove into a parking bay at the town's Sovereign Harbour.

Barry Hughman, prosecuting, said Backhouse was taken to Eastbourne police station where he gave a breath test reading of 148mcg in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35.

The court was told Backhouse had suffered a nervous breakdown for which he was receiving psychiatric help.

Stuart Grace, defending, said: "This simply isn't a man displaying irresponsible behaviour. This is a man with considerable personal difficulties."

Backhouse quit his position on Tory-run Eastbourne Borough Council last month after he was charged.

He was a St Anthony's ward Conservative councillor for three years and had been chairman of the authority's tenants and advisory group.

The case was adjourned for pre-sentence reports until April 26.

Backhouse was granted unconditional bail and an interim driving ban was imposed.