Having taken some cough mixture after drinking a glass of red wine could have been the reason a Penryn driver failed a blood and alcohol test after he was stopped by the police, Truro magistrates heard.

Abdul Khaled, aged 35, of Greenwood Crescent, Penryn, pleaded guilty to drink driving at Helston on January 4 when he tested at 99 milligrams of alcohol in blood, 19 points over the limit.

His solicitor William Hazelton said he had had a glass of red wine, and because he had a cough had taken some “Night Nurse” medicine, believing he was fit to drive.

It may have been the reason for his going over the limit.

A restaurant worker, Khaled was fined £110 and £105 costs and surcharge, and banned from driving for a year.