Passer-by took drink-driver's keys

A driver who had been drinking had his car keys taken by a man who had been watching him.
Blackpool Magistrates CourtBlackpool Magistrates Court
Blackpool Magistrates Court

Michael Spencer then went and retrieved the keys and drove back to his home.

Spencer, a 59-year-old pond cleaner, of Egremont Avenue, Cleveleys, pleaded guilty to driving while unfit through drink.

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He was banned from the road for 12 months, fined £70 and ordered to pay £30 victims’ surcharge by Blackpool magistrates.

Prosecutor, Edward Harrison, said a man saw Spencer buy a bottle of wine then get into his car and start the engine on April 18 at 5.45pm. Spencer appeared to be under the influence of alcohol so the witness took his keys and gave them to the shop assistant.

Minutes later Spencer retrieved his keys and drove off. The witness saw him and reported him to police. Officers arrived at Spencer’s home about 6.50pm and a breath test showed 103 micrograms of alcohol in his body – 35 is the limit.

Steven Townley, defending, told magistrates that Spencer, who had no previous convictions, said he had drunk two glasses of wine before going to the shop to buy more wine. He believed he was not over the limit at that time.