A drink driver faces jail after getting caught behind the wheel – just 48 hours after being originally banned from the roads for doing the school run while intoxicated.

Philip Dedman, who had been initially banned from the roads on April 24 after being seen unsteady on his feet by police in Ponteland, was then spotted getting behind the wheel of his car less than 48 hours after leaving court.

Dedman’s original reading of 60 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath resulted in him being banned from the roads until 2024, but he was soon again seen getting out of his Mercedes CLS220 in Great Park near Gosforth.

After he was again breathalysed, the 50-year-old was found to be nearly twice over the limit of 35 micrograms and could be jailed as a result.

On April 27, Dedman, of Roseden Way, Great Park, appeared before magistrates and admitted driving while above the legal alcohol limit, driving whilst disqualified and driving with no insurance.

He was then bailed to appear before Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on May 19, and Northumbria Police have now criticised his actions.

“The brazenness of this driver is incredibly frustrating as the consequences of his actions could be catastrophic,” said Sergeant Glen Robson, of Northumbria Police’s Operation Dragoon team.

“He has been found driving at almost twice the legal alcohol limit on two separate occasions in less than a week.

“To get behind the wheel in this state is reckless and irresponsible and now he could be jailed when he appears back in front of magistrates later this month.

The 50-year-old had already previously appeared before Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on April 24 where he admitted driving while above the legal alcohol limit after the first offence the day previously.

As a result, he was disqualified from driving for three years, issued with a £750 fine and told to pay a victim surcharge of £75 and costs of £85.

When he reappeared in Court on April 27, Dedman admitted driving with no insurance and driving whilst disqualified.