A WIFE'S worry for her husband led to his arrest for drink-driving, a court heard.

John Rowlands (68), of Holthouse Road, Tottington, admitted driving with excess alcohol when he appeared before Bury magistrates.

The hearing was told his wife had expressed anxiety to the police that the defendant, who suffered from depression, might be endangering himself by driving his car whilst under the influence.

Rowlands turned up at his house and backed up onto the drive, just as the police were leaving. He was arrested and found to have 106 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood, compared with the legal limit of 80mg in 100ml.

Mr Ian Walsh, prosecuting, said police officers had gone to the defendant's home address because they were making enquiries about a vehicle seen earlier in Holthouse Road. The defendant's wife said he was out in his vehicle and she was concerned about his welfare. He had retired three years ago and had sunk into more acute depression which he had refused to acknowledge and that he had driven his vehicle after drinking.

A man of previous good character, Rowlands told the police: "I was stupid. I'm sorry."

He said he had driven up to Affetside to walk in the countryside, but he had drunk a couple of cans of beer although felt he was fit to drive. He had not set out to deliberately flout the law. It had been a total misjudgement.

"I've stopped getting into a car after a drink," he added.

He was banned from driving for 12 months and fined £84 with £60 court costs.