A POLICE officer who has just retired faced Wirral magistrates for drink driving.

Keith Andrew Bailey, 49, of Sunningdale Drive. Thingwall, pleaded guilty. He was stopped leaving Kingsway Tunnel at 12.30am and a test showed over double the permitted alcohol level.

Defence solicitor Tony Nelson said the offence in some ways accelerated the retirement of Bailey after 30 years' distinguished public service. He made one mistake in his working life and had had to pay the penalty.

Mr Nelson said Bailey was thoroughly remorseful. There were no aggravating features in the case and he fully co-operated after being stopped.

The offence was wholly and totally out of character. He did not given enough thought before driving home after drinking.

The magistrates said they took into account references handed to them but it was a relatively high alcohol reading. They imposed a £470 fine plus £30 costs and a 15 month driving ban.

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