Shamed Tory Kevin Bentley today revealed he "thought he was safe" to drive after he had been drinking at a dinner party.

Mr Bentley, 42, who insisted he "does not drink a lot", has vowed he will never drink and drive again. He had been driving his Mercedes sports car home to West Mersea on Friday after the private dinner when he was stopped and breath-tested by police.

Mr Bentley was alone in his car. The breath test revealed 54 mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath - 19 mcgs over the legal limit. Mr Bentley had been up for selection as the Conservatives' prospective parliamentary candidate (PPC) for Witham, but withdrew after he had been charged with drink-driving.

Mr Bentley, Colchester Council portfolio holder for culture and public relations, will appear before Colchester Magistrates' Court later this month.