A MOTORIST reported to police by his wife was found to be more than three times the legal drink drive limit.

Blackburn magistrates heard Michael Howorth gave a roadside reading of 131 and a reading of 108 against the legal limit of 35 at the police station.

Howorth, 53, of Aspen Fold, Oswaldtwistle, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol. He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with nine months alcohol treatment requirement and five days’ rehabilitation. He was fined £40 and ordered to pay £90 victim surcharge and banned from driving for 25 months.

Deborah Morgan, defending, said her client had been driving for 35 years and had never had a penalty point on his licence.

She said at the time of the incident he had been made redundant from his career as an insolvency practitioner and was having marital difficulties.

“On this day he argued with his wife and left the home,” said Miss Morgan.

“She knew he had been drinking and rang the police because she was concerned for his safety and the safety of other road users.

“He is desperately trying to reconcile with his wife and is actively looking for work,” said Miss Morgan.

“He knows he has made that more difficult by the commission of this offence.”