A RETIRED Army major has been banned from the roads for two years after being caught nearly treble the drink drive limit on his way home from a pub.

Anthony Illidge had been drinking at the Abbey Arms in St John’s Green, Colchester, before deciding to drive back to his house in Mersea Road, Langenhoe.

He was followed by police after they spotted him driving his Toyota Land Cruiser – a pick-up van style vehicle – erratically before pulling into the driveway at his house.

When the police tried to confront him about the manner of his driving, Illidge seemed oblivious to the fact they were there and trying to speak to him.

Officers arrested him shortly after 9.30pm on Monday, July 16 and took him to the police station.

A breathalyser test showed he had 104mcgs of alcohol per 100mls of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Illidge, 60, admitted a charge of drink driving when he appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court.

Standing in the dock wearing a blazer with the Pegasus emblem used by the Parachute Regiment on he apologised for his actions.

He said: “I’m deeply sorry, I’m embarrassed and I’m ashamed.

“I have never done anything like that before in my life and I will never do anything like it again.

“I served in the British Army for 30 years and rose through the ranks from private to major which included seven operational tours.

“My career was spent upholding the law.

“I am sorry and it will never happen again.”

The court heard since Illidge retired from the Army with long service and exemplary conduct awards, he had pooled much of his pension into purchasing a number of flats and apartments in Colchester which he now rents out.

Illidge also said he had raised thousands of pounds for charity by taking on challenges including mountain climbs and running marathons.

Magistrates handed him a two-year ban from the roads and handed down a 12-month community order which will require him to complete 40 hours of unpaid work.

He must also pay £85 in court costs and an £85 victim surcharge.