Magistrates have slapped an 18-month driving ban on a former council road safety chief who drove after drinking almost twice the legal alcohol limit.

Councillor Adrian Longthorn - who immediately resigned as chairman of Bradford Council's Highways Sub Committee after he was breathalysed last Wednesday - was also fined £950 and ordered to pay £50 costs by Bradford Magistrates yesterday.

He admitted driving while over the limit.

In his role as Bradford Council's road safety spokesman, he had spearheaded Christmas anti-drink driving campaigns.

"People should remember that just one drink affects their ability to drive," he said at the time. "Too many risks are still being taken because people think it's alright to drive as long as you are not actually drunk."

The court was told by his solicitor, Mr Kam Deshi, that Longthorn, 43, a Labour councillor for Wyke, had been deeply embarrassed by what had happened and had certainly learned a hard lesson.

Mr Deshi said Longthorn, of Westminster Gardens, Clayton, also knew his job as a field technician with a Leeds company was in jeopardy because of the loss of his licence.

Miss Jane Kawalek, prosecuting, said Longthorn's vehicle had been stopped in Ashwell Road, Bradford.

He was asked to step into the back of the police vehicle and was breathalysed after officers smelled alcohol on his breath.

He was taken to a police station where tests revealed that he had 68mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg.

Mr Deshi said Longthorn was highly embarrassed to find that the story was on the front of the Telegraph & Argus yesterday and "the whole of Bradford" knew about his case.

He was also embarrassed because of his position as chairman of the highways sub-committee and resigned immediately.

Mr Deshi said Longthorn had a stressful job and started the equivalent of a second day's work when he got home - serving the community as a local councillor.

On the day of the offence, Longthorn had been at work and then to a very late Labour party meeting.

"He is only human. This case has been an error of judgement," said Mr Deshi.

Mr Deshi appealed to the magistrates to bear in mind Longthorn's extensive work for the community when they sentenced him.

Council leader Councillor Ian Greenwood said: "Clearly this has been a traumatic experience.

"I wouldn't in any shape or form condone his action but he has paid a heavy price for the infringement."

Coun Longthorn is at present off sick from his Council duties.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.