A MAN who drove after drinking at a friend’s funeral has been banned for 15 months.

Kenneth Dowding was spotted by police driving his Volkswagen Passatt on Chapel Lane in Burtonwood shortly after midnight on Tuesday September 29.

The 57-year-old was pulled over by officers on Perrins Road, just metres from his home on Spurling Road, and admitted he had drunk four pints of beer at a friend’s wake.

He subsequently failed a breathalyser test and was arrested.

Dowding, who represented himself when he admitted drink driving at Halton Magistrates Court on Thursday November 12, apologised for his actions.

He said: “I understand I will probably lose my licence but I’d like to ask you to be sympathetic to my cause – I made a big mistake.

“I do apologise – I’m ashamed to be here today.”

Dowding, who had no previous convictions, told the court that he would have trouble getting to his workplace of Co-op in Lea Green, St Helens, if his licence was revoked as there are no busses that he could take, there was nobody who could give him a lift and he cannot afford to get taxis.

He was banned for 15 months and fined a total of £565 although he will be allowed to drive again on October 19 2016 if he completes a driving course.