A prominent Felixstowe businessman has apologised after being involved in an accident with a young mother, while drink driving.

Andrew Rowdon, of Trimley St Martin, was banned for 17 months and fined at Ipswich Magistrates Court earlier this month after admitting driving while being almost twice the permitted alcohol limit.

Rowdon collided with Nicola Barton's 2017 Kia Sportage while travelling on Trimley High Road, on February 19 this year, causing an estimated £12,000 damage and making it an insurance write off.

Mrs Barton told Nub News: "This has had a massive impact on my family as I had a new baby at home I was not able to care for and did not have a vehicle etc to get her to essential appointments.

"Both myself and my injured passenger were very grateful none of our children were in the car.

"The police have been amazing, both at the scene of the accident and in with keeping me updated with court information etc.

"I haven't heard a single word from Mr Rowdon, which is very sad. As a local businessman I thought he would conduct himself better."

Rowdon denied he had caused the accident but admitted the circumstances have not helped him.

He told Nub News: "Although I don't believe the accident was entirely my fault, because of what happened, it looks like it was.

"I'm genuinely very sorry what happened, it was a silly mistake and I regret the whole thing. You have to learn from your mistakes.

"I'm glad no one was badly hurt and I do apologise to the young lady."

Mr Rowdon owns a prestigious and successful travel company based Trimley St Martin. He was nominated as a finalist at the Travel Weekly Agent Achievement Awards in June, 2019.

Mr Rowdon was chairman on the Felixstowe Chamber of Trade and Commerce between 2011 and 214 and is the former chairman of the Felixstowe Business Enterprise Group.