THE police officer who breathalysed Paul Michael Young told him he would "put in a good word" for him.

And defence solicitor Richard Prew said it was refreshing to see that the officer, true to his word, had written a note for the court doing just that.

In the note the officer described how Young had been genuinely distressed when he failed the breathalyser on a Saturday morning.

"I have never known a drink driver to show so much remorse," the note added.

Young, 49, of St Mary's Gardens, Mellor, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol. He was disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £100.

Young, who gave a reading of 59 against the legal limit of 35, agreed to be referred to the drink drive rehabilitation programme which, if completed successfully, would reduce his ban by up to 25 per cent.

Mr Prew said his client fell into the trap of thinking that after a night's sleep, and breakfast, he would be alright to drive.

"There was no reason for him to drive, he was only visiting a friend, and had he suspected that he might have been over the limit he certainly would not have got behind the wheel," said Mr Prew.