A MAN'S trip to York Races proved more expensive than expected as a result of the alcohol he consumed.

Lee Gardner, who holds a £30,000 a year job in Tyneside, ended up in front of York magistrates because he could not hold his drink, the court heard.

Police spotted him urinating against a wall at the back of the County Stand on York Racecourse, said Martin Butterworth, prosecuting.

When the officer warned him he was breaking the law, Gardner, 31, swore at him and he was arrested.

Gardner, of Mullen Drive, Ryton, Tyne and Wear, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly on August 23.

Magistrates fined him £150 and ordered him to pay £55 costs.

Mr Butterworth said the area around Gardner was busy when he was arrested because the races had just finished.

Gardner, who was unrepresented, apologised for his behaviour, saying he was "not that type of person".

Updated: 11:39 Thursday, August 30, 2001