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Motorist William Swinson was caught drink-driving - after police found him squatting by his car and defecating at the side of the road.

Officers were in Werrington Road, Bucknall, when they noticed a vehicle parked outside a row of houses in the early hours of the morning with its lights on and the driver’s door open.

They then saw the 20-year-old defendant squatting by the side of the vehicle and defecating in the road. He had also been sick.

The defendant gave a positive roadside breath test and was taken to the police station where he was breathalysed and gave a reading of 70 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – twice the legal limit of 35.

The defendant told police he had driven the Volkswagen Polo from Cheadle but he was too drunk to drive and was waiting for a lift.

Swinson, of Lockwood Road, Kingsley Holt, pleaded guilty to drink-driving at 12.30am on October 27.

Representing himself, the defendant said he was sorry for the way he behaved.

Swinson told North Staffordshire Justice Centre: “I would like to apologise to the court and everyone who dealt with me. I let my family down and myself down. I can’t believe what I did.

“When the police came to check if I was OK I was waiting for a lift. I pleaded guilty as soon as I could.

“I have lost a girlfriend and could possibly lose my job and university place. I will be relying on a bus service in a village where the service is not the most reliable. As a result this could cost me up to and exceeding £40-a-day for a taxi.

“I can only apologise for being so silly. I am truly sorry.”

Magistrates handed Swinson an 18-month driving ban. He was fined £404 and ordered to pay £135 costs and a £40 surcharge. His ban will be reduced by 18 weeks if he completes a drink-drivers’ rehabilitation course.

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