A BUILDER was found to be almost twice over the drink drive limit when he reversed into a car driven by a retired police officer.

Harrogate magistrates heard yesterday how Andrew Heatley, a father of two, drove from his home in Bridge Street, Boroughbridge, to meet a friend in Harrogate for a 38th birthday party on November 5 last year.

His solicitor, Geoffrey Rogers, said Heatley had a meal and drank wine. On his way home he found there was a traffic jam on the A661, so decided he would find an alternative route home.

But as he tried a three-point turn he reversed his Jaguar into a car driven by retired police officer John Jeffery.

Peter Scott, prosecuting, told the court Mr Jeffery had seen the Jaguar pull in front of oncoming traffic before reversing.

Heatley had then driven off but Mr Jeffery had taken the car's registration. A breath test later showed Heatley was more than twice the drink-drive limit. Mr Rogers said he had drunk more than he intended.

Heatley was fined a total of £750 with £85 costs and given a 20-month driving ban.