A Stainburn man was caught drink-driving just hours after being banned... for drink-driving.

Paul Ward, 73, appeared at Harrogate Magistrates Court last Thursday (April 23) when he admitted one offence of drink-driving.

Despite being disqaulified from driving that afternoon, Ward was not only caught travelling along the A1(M) just hours later, but was also uninsured and over the legal limit.

Ward appeared at York Magistrates Court the following day - making it his second court appearance in 24 hours. 

Sarah Tyrer, who prosecuted the case on Thursday, told the court police received a report of a man trying to change a wheel on the A61 at Baldersby just before 9pm on March 6 this year.

The person who called the police was concerned the man could’ve been drunk, so an officer was deployed to the area.

The officer came across Ward, who said he “just needed to change the wheel and drive home”.

However, the court heard, the officer could immediately smell alcohol and noticed Ward was unsteady on his feet.

A roadside breath test proved positive, and Ward was arrested and taken to Harrogate Police Station.

Ward, of Stainburn Lane, recorded 80 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of his breath – more than twice the limit of 35 micrograms - just after 11pm. 

Ms Tyrer said Ward “fully admitted he had been drink-driving” to police and accepted he “would’ve driven home had he not been arrested”.

‘A few Irish coffees, bit of wine’

Ward, who was not legally represented in court, told magistrates he’d “had a blow-out” on his way home that night, but felt like he was “driving ok”.

Ward said:

Ward also told the court he’d “had a bit of a party” that afternoon, which included “a few Irish coffees, a bit of wine” before getting behind the wheel.

He was handed an immediate 20-month driving ban and ordered to pay £253 to the court.

However, North Yorkshire Police officers stopped Ward at junction 51 of the A1(M), near Leeming Bar, at 4.45pm that same afternoon. 

He provided a positive roadside breath test and was subsequently charged with drink-driving – recording 45 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance.

Ward admitted the offences the following day (Friday 24) and was once again banned from driving – this time for four years.

He was also handed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.