He has a drinking problem and he recognises that, Mr Roberts said. The level of alcohol in his system that day was high, and he knows his liberty is at risk today. He is absolutely petrified. The court heard Matthews had started drinking during the day after the breakdown of his relationship before Christmas. He was in the process of buying more alcohol when he was stopped, Mr Roberts said. He had not driven since his last disqualification in 2006 until his last job came along, and he decided to get a car to drive to work. He had insured it, but he had not realised he would have to pass a retest before driving.