A SECURITY alert was sparked at a North Army base when soldiers saw a car careering towards the guardroom, a court heard yesterday.

Simon Ostler, prosecuting, told Harrogate magistrates how guards on the main gate at Claro Barracks, in Clotherholme Road, Ripon, North Yorkshire, were so concerned at the erratic way the car approached -mounting a central reservation near the sentry box - that they pointed their weapons at the driver.

Police arrived and arrested painter and decorator George Aitken.

A blood sample showed 47-year-old Aitken, of The Village, Strensall, near York, had drunk more than three times the legal limit.

Mr Ostler said Aitken was bailed, but only six days after the incident, the same car was seen in Boroughbridge Road, Ripon, apparently broken down.

Aitken was again given a breath test and was found to be more than three-and-a-half times the drink-drive limit.

Aitken pleaded guilty in court to two counts of drink-driving.

His solicitor, Andrew Tinning, said Aitken was a law-abiding and hard-working family man who had gone through relationship and family difficulties.

Mr Tinning said Aitken was determined to try to keep his business.

He said his client was now riding a bicycle on a 20-mile round trip each day.

Court chairman David Davies told Aitken each offence on its own was worthy of consideration for prison, but said that Aitken's guilty pleas, his previous good record and his family and business responsibilities meant the court could take a different course.

Aitken was ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid community work and was made subject of a two-year community rehabilitation order. A three-year driving ban and costs of £115 were also imposed.