Snettisham optician partner David Foskett in King’s Lynn court after drink-driving in Heacham

A 71-year-old optician found himself in court after drinking beer on an empty stomach while at a golf club.

David Foskett, of Avocet Drive in Snettisham, appeared at Lynn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where he admitted drink-driving.

Prosecutors explained that on March 5, Foskett was stopped by police on Ringstead Road in Heacham.

He told police that he did not remember drinking, but a breath test revealed he had 64mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath. The legal limit to drive is 35mcg.

In mitigation, Andrew Cogan told the court that Foskett, who is a partner in an opticians company, will be negatively impacted by the mandatory driving disqualification imposed on him as he normally drives to different branches.

Mr Cogan explained that Foskett did not stop immediately stop for the police because he is “hard of hearing”.

“He thought the police car was going to a different driver,” the solicitor said.

Mr Cogan explained that Foskett had bumped into a family friend at the golf club that day and they had a beer together, although Foskett had not had anything to eat.

“He has had well over 40 years of driving; it is the first time he has been in trouble with the law,” Mr Cogan added.

“It was a great moment of regret for him. He is terribly sorry.”

Foskett was disqualified from driving for 17 months and fined £614.

He will also pay a victim surcharge of £246 and court costs of £85.