A man was caught four-and-a-half times over the drink-drive limit because he had an argument with his disabled girlfriend who had earlier rejected his engagement proposal.

Colin Boucher, of Pankhurst Road, Walton, was spared jail at Sutton Magistrates Court on Wednesday (June 16) because his dependency on alcoholism is so high that a prison term could endanger his health.

Just before midnight on May 15, the 48-year-old was spotted by a policeman shouting abuse at a woman from his ‘large goods vehicle’ in Sainsbury’s car park in North Cheam.

As he was being flagged down Mr Boucher’s vehicle nearly hit a kerb and, according to the officer, he was unsteady on his feet and slurring his words.

The former joiner claimed to have only consumed five pints of lager but his breathalyser reading of 157mg per 100ml of breath was more than four times the legal limit which is 35mg.

Alison Lockhart, prosecuting, said Mr Boucher and his partner had driven to Sainsbury’s before walking to a nearby pub where the couple got into an argument.

James Nicholson, defending, said: “Both had been drinking heavily and when Mr Boucher proposed, his partner objected to the ring.”

Mr Nicholson said Mr Boucher then threatened to get himself arrested after his girlfriend dared him to drive home.

The court heard Mr Boucher had been suffering from alcohol problems for more than 25 years and, according to Mrs Lockhart, a prison term and the sudden withdrawal of alcohol from his system could kill him.

Magistrate Jenny Kreser said: “You have to understand this was one of the highest readings this court has seen. Right at the top of the scale for sentencing.

“The appropriate sentence would be a period of immediate custody.

"But I am prepared to suspend it on the condition that you do not commit another offence for two years."

Mr Boucher was handed an eight week jail sentence, suspended for two years, and was given a curfew meaning he must remain at home between 7pm and 1am each night.

He must wear an electronic tag and will serve his suspended sentence if he breaks his curfew.

As he stood in the dock, Mr Boucher told the magistrates: “I am sorry to cause all this trouble, I really am. Thank you for being so lenient.”