A FORMER university porter who was arrested at an airport has admitted driving while drunk after hearing news about his past.

Anthony Turner, 39, of Malcolm Sargent Close, Newport, admitted driving a Saab 9-5 car at Sullivan Circle in the city while over the legal alcohol limit on July 6, when he appeared before Newport Magistrates Court yesterday (Monday).

Ruth Hale, prosecuting, told District Judge Martin Brown that police officers followed Turner along the A48 in Newport shortly after midnight on July 6 when at one point he was driving at more than 80 miles per hour in a 50mph zone.

They turned into Malcolm Sargent Close and knocked on the door of a house where a Saab 9-5 was parked in the driveway with its bonnet and wheels still warm.

Turned appeared intoxicated and went to the police station where he later admitted the offence, the court heard.

When tested his breath contained 72 microgrammes of alcohol in 100ml of breath, twice the legal limit of 35 microgrammes.

Kate Lingley, mitigating, said Turner had been drinking at home that night when he received a call from his sister claiming that she'd obtained an NSPCC report about his past before he was adopted.

"He went into town and consumed more alcohol," said Ms Lingley, who said Turner had been laid off from his job as a building supervisor at the University of South Wales in Treforrest, pending the outcome of the hearing.

Judge Brown said Turner had tried to rearrange his bail date with police but had mistakenly been arrested an airport.

Turner was fined £100 as well as £85 costs and a victim surcharge of £20. He was disqualified from driving for 20 months.

The Argus contacted Gwent Police for a comment.