A LEARNER driver’s attempt to drive more than 80 miles while more than twice the drink drive limit ended when police officers spotted his unusual driving in Tadcaster, York magistrates heard.

James Adrian Williams, 53, had never taken a driving test, but concerned about his 16-year-old daughter, he set out from his home in Deans Lathe, Keighley, to travel alone to her home in Scarborough.

Williams pleaded guilty to drink driving, driving without a licence and violent behaviour at Fulford Road Police Station, York.

He was banned from driving for 20 months, told to get a provisional licence and take a driving test before he drives again, was fined £450 and was ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £45 statutory surcharge.

Kathy Turnbull, prosecuting, said police saw Williams swing too wide round a parked car in Westgate, and drive at an erratic speed and weave in his lane on the A64.

As they prepared to stop him, Williams pulled into Bilbrough services and was arrested. But his manner changed at the police station where he ranted, claimed he was going to kill himself and had to be restrained.

He gave a breath test reading of 85 millilitres of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.