A DRINK driver who sped at an “outrageous” 80mph in a 30mph zone has expressed remorse for his actions.

Aran Cruise, 32, of Berechurch Hall Road, Colchester, was driving an Audi A3 on November 25, 2018 and failed to stop the car when ordered to do so by police.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard officers on duty noticed he was driving at speed in Maldon Road, Tiptree.

Police tried to catch up with the car as he was driving between 70mph and 80mph in a 30mph zone and overtaking several other vehicles.

Philip Pearson, prosecuting said: “Cruise did not stop for police and was later charged for the matter and pleaded guilty in the first opportunity.”

Officers found he was over the drink driving limit and had 53 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath at the time.

The legal limit is 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath.

Cruise addressed the court and said: “Everything is exactly what happened.

“I am sorry about what I have done and this is the first time I have done anything like this and the last.

“I am just appalled with myself to tell you the truth.”

Magistrates disqualified Cruise from driving for 16 months and ordered to pay a £635 fine.

Head of roads policing in Essex Adam Pipe said the combination of drink driving and speeding could have been hugely dangerous.

“We still see a significant amount of excess speed across the county,” he said.

“We know through public consultation it is still a real concern and it does make people feel unsafe on our roads.

“Drink and drug driving is also a huge issue.

“Combining drink driving with this sort of speed is the height of irresponsibility and causes high risk of harm to themselves and other road users.

“They have to be taken of the road immediately, like what happened at the court.

“That sort of speed is outrageous.

“What we are also seeing is an increase in people failing to stop whether it be when asked by the police or following an accident.

“My message to drivers is we can still find you.

“Technology is always improving and it might take a little bit more time and effort from officers but it is possible.”