Drink-driver is caught on 30-second trip from pub

John Butcher was stopped by police during the 30s drive to his home.

Butcher, 52, of Freckleton Street, Lytham, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol and not in accordance with his licence.

He was banned from the road for 18 months, fined £120 with £85 costs and ordered to pay a £20 victims’ surcharge by magistrates in Blackpool.

Martine Connah, prosecuting, said police saw Butcher driving close to cars on East Beach, Lytham on January 23 about 1am.

A breath test showed 61 microgrammes of alcohol in his body – 35 is the limit. He had an expired provisional licence.

Brett Chappell, defending, said his client had been at the County pub, Lytham, where he goes to play poker with friends.