A DANCE teacher who was breathalysed by police after they clocked him driving more than 50mph along a 30mph road was over the legal drink drive limit, a court has heard.

Daniel Murrell, right, from Turnberry Close, Christchurch, was pulled over early in the morning the day after Boxing Day.

The 26-year-old, who runs Murrells Dance and Fitness Studio classes at a range of venues across the south, admitted driving with excess alcohol at a Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court hearing.

He was banned from driving for 20 months and ordered to pay a total of £215, including a £110 fine, a £20 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Murrell was arrested as part of Dorset Police’s Christmas and New Year drink-drive campaign, which has seen those convicted named and shamed in the Daily Echo.

Murrell, of previous good character, also asked to be considered for a drink driver rehabilitation course, which the court agreed.

If he successfully completes the 16-hour course by the specified date, his driving ban will be reduced by 153 days.

The court heard how Murrell, who spoke only to confirm his name and address at the short hearing, had spent the night at a friend’s|house after enjoying Christmas drinks.

His plan was to stay at his friends, but around 6am the following morning – after being unable to sleep – he decided to drive home to his own bed.

When officers pulled him over early on December 27, after first spotting him driving over the speed limit along Bournemouth’s Christchurch Road, Murrell exited his car and said “hello” to them, before being arrested.

It later transpired he had 85mg per 100millilitres of blood, the legal limit is 80mg per 100millilitres.

Defending, Paul Bevan said his client often used his car to travel to teach dance to venues across the south, including Oxford and Torquay.

“He wasn’t making a lot of money when he had a motor car, he’ll be making even less now he hasn’t got one,” Mr Bevan told the court.

Passing sentence, chairman of the bench Mrs McKenna warned Murrell: “If you drive while you are disqualified you will be committing a serious offence and you could be sent to prison.”