A PENSIONER has been banned from driving for 12 months after he was caught drink-driving.

Stuart Chape, 67, was driving his Ford Scorpio along Durham Road in Aycliffe Village, near Newton Aycliffe, at around 8.20pm on Saturday, February 15, when he was stopped by police officers.

Andrea Milson, prosecuting at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court today (Wednesday, March 5), said Chape given an alcohol reading of 56 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The limit is 35.

Chape, of Atkinson Gardens, Aycliffe Village, pleaded guilty to drink driving.

Alan Green, mitigating, said Chape has a disability which means he is only able to walk short distances.

“On that particular occasion he had driven 300 yards to a public house in his village and consumed a couple of pints,” said Mr Green.

“He felt perfectly alright to drive but clearly the legal limit had been exceeded.”

Magistrates fined Chape £165 and banned him from driving for 12 months. He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.