Drink driver caught because of flat tyre

A MOTORIST who was spotted driving a car with a totally flat tyre, was later found to have more than twice the legal alcohol level in his breath, North Lincolnshire magistrates heard.

James Davies, 60, of Queen Street, Scunthorpe, was seen by police driving in Healey Road on March 14.

Rebecca Dolby, prosecuting, said: "The officer saw a red Honda Civic travelling towards him and noticed the front tyre was completely flat."

Davies was pulled over and, when breathalised, he was found to have 94 mcgs of alcohol per 100ml of breath. The permitted maximum is 35 mcgs.

Miss Dolby told the court: "Davies is of good character. He has not appeared before a court before."

Defence solicitor Jason Nicholson said his client had a number of serious health problems. He said: "As a matter of habit, he drinks very little."

Mr Nicholson said Davies had been at a friend's house that day. The property was being decorated and his friend and others present were drinking lager.

Davies had a drink but, he now believed it may have been spiked with vodka.

Davies admitted a drink-driving charge. He was fined £200 and was told to pay a £15 surcharge and £100 costs. He was banned from driving for two years. But this will be reduced by 24 weeks if he completes a drink-driver's course.