A drink-driver has been jailed after showing a "blatant disregard" for the law.

Adam Fajkowski, 37, was pulled over after police saw him driving erratically on New Year's Eve, a court heard.

Philip Pearson, prosecuting, said Fajkowski's Seat car was swerving across the central white lines in Maldon Road, Colchester.

The Polish groundworker told police: "This is bad - I don't have a licence."

A breath test revealed he was almost 21/2 times the legal limit.

Fajkowski, who had been in the UK for four years, said he had been to a friend's house and drunk a few beers.

He admitted drink-driving, driving while disqualified, and having no insurance. The court heard he was also in breach of a conditional discharge for assaulting a woman in July last year.

Anna Perera, mitigating, said Fajkowski admitted he had a drink problem and was seeking help - including acupuncture. He now gave his wages to his wife to prevent him spending it on alcohol.

She said his family depended on his earnings. They had a small child and another young child slept on a mattress in a box room under the stairs.

Eleven people were living in the five-bed house in Imphal Close, the court heard.

Colchester magistrates jailed Fajkowski for four months because of his "repeated blatant disregard" for driving disqualifications. He was also banned from driving for four years.