A ‘HIGHLY qualified’ stone mason who accepted the offer of a drink with his employer after finishing a lengthy contract in Settle was over the drink-drive limit when he set off home towards Skipton, heard magistrates.

A member of the public called the police after seeing William Pennett driving a Toyota Hilux on the A65 at around 7pm on September 26 hitting the kerb and speeding, heard Skipton Magistrates Court today (Friday).

Officers located the vehicle and after seeing Pennett take a roundabout near Skipton at speed, they stopped him.

A roadside test was positive and he was taken to Harrogate Police Station where he was found to have 72 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Pennett, 26, of previous good character, admitted drink driving on Raikes Road in Skipton.

Self-employed Pennett, who worked in all parts of country on historic buildings, including cathedrals, would be impacted severely by losing his licence and as a result had decided to close his business, the court was told.

In mitigation, John Mewies said Pennett was a hard working, highly qualified young man who had built up a very good business and despite losing his licence, his skills would still be in demand.

He said Pennett had been working in Settle on a long term contract and at the end had been invited by his employer for a drink in the office.

“He had one or two drinks and had foolishly decided to drive from Settle to Skipton. The manner of his driving was brought to the attention of police. He was stopped and he told police ‘I’ve had a drink’”said Mr Mewies.

Pennett was not a drinker, he had not eaten all day and was of slim build, added Mr Mewies.

Pennett, of East Lane, Embsay, was banned from driving for 18 months and fined £120. He will also have to pay costs of £85and a surcharge of £45. If he completes a drink-driver rehabilitation course, his ban will be reduced by 18weeks.