A motorist has lost his licence and must pay a £305 court bill for getting behind the wheel of a car after drinking.

Police said it is an example that people should not attempt to drive after drinking and that, “some excuses just don’t cut.”

The case arose after response officers from Durham Police’s C Relief team spotted a white Audi car in the Market Place, Crook, earlier this year.

A force spokeswoman said the driver had not parked the vehicle as he was wearing his seatbelt and the car lights were illuminated.

The Audi’s engine was also running.

When the driver subsequently failed a roadside breath test he said it was “ok”, claiming, “he wasn’t driving.”

Despite informing him that did not appear to be the case, the driver insisted on going to court and originally pleaded not guilty to drink driving.

But, on reflection, with the trial looming, he later changed his plea to guilty after the same advice on the law was given to him by his lawyer.

Magistrates imposed a 25-month driving ban, and he was fined £270 with £35 in court costs.

Read more: Nearly a dozen drink drivers arrested by Durham Police

Following the case, Sergeant Matthew Fussey, said: “Getting behind the wheel of a car whilst under the influence of alcohol can be fatal and there is a common misconception that the vehicle has to move in order to be charged with drink driving.

“Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.

“We don’t enforce the law to be party poopers, we do it to save lives and will continue to proactively target drink drivers given the risk to life they pose.”

Sgt Fussey added: “Our message is simple, please don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve had a drink.”

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