A MAN who drove dangerously for more than 20 miles around South Somerset while over the drink-drive limit after assaulting a woman in a pub near Chard has pleaded guilty.

Lee Symons, 24, appeared at Taunton Crown Court on Monday, and admitted charges of assault by beating, damaging property, dangerous driving and driving while over the drink-drive limit.

Symons, of High Street, Wincanton, admitted assaulting Danni Bosence on April 18 and damaging a mirror at the Ye Old Poppe Inn in Tatworth.

The court heard how the father of two then drove dangerously from the pub on Axminster Road, along the A358 and A303 while over the legal drink-drive limit, before police stopped him at the Podimore roundabout.

Defending, Harry Ahuja, said: “Lee Symons is 24 years old and has kept himself out of trouble.

“He is a working man and has two young children.

“I ask that his unconditional bail continue until the date when he will be sentenced.”

Crown prosecutor William Hunter handed the charges to the court which were read out to Symons, who appeared in the dock dressed in a white shirt and black pin-stripe suit, before he pleaded guilty.

Recorder Martin Meake said: “You will next appear in court on September 5 when you will be sentenced.

“Until that date, you will be disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence, though I expect that the disqualification will continue beyond that time.

“Though unconditional bail continues you should not view this as an indication as to how you will be sentenced.

“You will receive full credit for entering a guilty plea at the earlier opportunity.”