A TEACHER was caught out over the limit on the day of his daughter's 18th birthday celebrations.

Burnley magistrates heard how Robert Cryer, 44, was said to have pulled in front of a police car as it was answering an emergency call.

Cryer, who works at a local school and attends Rosehill Baptist Church, Burnley, admitted driving with excess alcohol.

The defendant, of Cleveland Road, Burnley, was banned from driving for 12 months, fined £250 and must pay £55 costs.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said on Saturday night, May 31, a police officer was at Gannow Top, Burnley and received an emergency call.

He activated his car lights in order to respond and pulled out to overtake Cryer. As he did so, Cryer pulled out for no apparent reason in front of the police car, causing it to brake sharply.

Mr Robinson said the officer stopped the defendant and went to speak to him. He noticed the smell of alcohol on his breath and took Cryer to the police station.

CryerThe defendant gave two breath specimens and the lower of the readings was 52 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 mililitres of breath. The legal limit is 35. He had no previous convictions.

Dylan Bradshaw, defending, said Cryer had spent the day driving to and from various places and had not had much to eat because of his hectic schedule.

Towards the early evening, he had had a piece of toast and two glasses of wine and then left to pick up party guests. At the function the defendant, who suffered from depression and claustrophobia, was bought two pints and thought perhaps it had been strong beer.

Mr Bradshaw said shortly before Cryer was arrested he had begun to feel unwell and decided to drive a short distance from the party.

As the police vehicle was behind him, Cryer was turning to switch lanes and pulled out. He had no recollection of the manoeuvre suggested by the officer.

The solicitor, who handed the court a reference from the principal of Nelson and Colne College, said Cryer co-operated with police. His arrest and the court proceedings had been alien to him.

Mr Bradshaw said the defendant had led a blemish-free and very constructive life. He bitterely regretted what he had done and had shown remorse.