A DRIVER who drank beer after his car got a puncture on the A59 will have to pay £365 for being drunk in charge of a vehicle and the possession of a class A drug.

Jordan Coppack, 22, was arrested just before midnight on January 19 after failing a roadside alcohol test next to the A59 at Blubberhouses.

Skipton Magistrates Court heard he had been on his way back from Harrogate with his girlfriend and brother when his Vauxhall Vectra had got a puncture.

He had tried and failed to fix the tyre, had called a friend for help and had drunk some beer while waiting when the police arrived, the court heard.

Police, who came across Coppack, a man of previous good character, parked on a grass verge, carried out a roadside breath test because he appeared 'unsteady' on his feet, the court was told.

He failed the breath test and was taken to Harrogate Police Station, where he was found to have a small amount of cocaine in his possession.

Coppack, the court heard, had foolishly decided to drink some beers he had bought earlier and which were in his boot. He had never had any intention to drive the car, which was later towed away by police.

Coppack, of West Bank Rise, Keighley, who admitted both charges was fined £150 for the possession charge and £100 for being drunk in charge. He will also have ten penalty points put on his licence and will have to pay costs of £85 and surcharge of £30.