A man has been banned from driving for more than two years after getting behind the wheel while drunk following an argument with his wife.
Anthony Yallop, 39, crashed his car into a tree on Downham Road, Swaffham on February 5.
A member of the public immediately reported the incident to police, with officers arriving soon afterwards.
They suspected that Yallop was under the influence and asked him to carry out a roadside breath test, which he failed - leading to his arrest.
Evidential tests later revealed he had 112mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in his system, exceeding the legal drink-driving limit of 35mcg.
Yallop, of Abbey Close in Wendling, appeared at Lynn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where he pleaded guilty to the offence.
Mitigating, duty solicitor Andrew Cogan said: “It is fair to say that this has been a complete turning point for Mr Yallop.”
Mr Cogan said the defendant lost his job following the crash, which has also led to “severe repercussions” in his relationship with his wife.
He has since taken advice from a wellbeing service and has volunteered at The Matthew Project, a drug and alcohol recovery service based in Norwich.
“He has reached that crossroads - he wants to go straight ahead, not turn left or right,” Mr Cogan added.
Yallop’s offence meant he fell into a community order bracket when being sentenced, but magistrates were told that while he is fit and able to carry out unpaid work, he suffers with depression.
Mr Cogan said a contributing factor to Yallop drinking and driving in February was an argument with his wife. He had left their home to stay at a hotel and drank before returning “as a bit of Dutch courage”.
“He has come across to me while I have been taking instructions as very remorseful,” Mr Cogan said.
“He is realistic - he knows he has to pay the price.
“It is a lesson that he has clearly learned. He is incredibly unlikely to be bothering you or your colleagues again.”
Magistrates disqualified Yallop from driving for 28 months, but offered him a drink-driving awareness course which, if completed, will reduce that period by around 28 weeks.
He will also pay a £200 fine, £80 victim surcharge and £105 in court costs.