A FORMER prison officer who was made an MBE in 1999 has been banned from driving after he admitted drink-driving.

Brian Armstrong was stopped by police after reports of a collision near his home and breathalysed.

Armstrong, 69, of Brinkburn Road, Darlington pleaded guilty in front of the town's magistrates today for drink-driving.

The court heard he had been shopping in the town on May 16 and was going to go home to watch a football game.

When he realised the game had already started, he went to a pub to watch it. At the end of the game he drove home.

Prosecuting Blair Martin said police responded to reports of a collision on Hazel Avenue where they found Armstrong. They could detect alcohol on his breath and saw he was unsteady on his feet and slurring his words.

He was found to have 100mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The maximum limit is 35mg.

Chris Bunting, representing Armstrong, said: "He is bitterly ashamed of himself. It was a genuine case of misjudgment."

Armstrong, who had served for 40 years in the prison service before he retired, was awarded an MBE in 1999.

He was banned for two years, fined £200 and ordered to pay a £15 Victim Support surcharge and £43 costs.

As a result of the incident, he said he would not get behind the wheel of a car again and so declined a drink drive rehabilitation course.