Failing to switch on the lights on his car at night led an electronics engineer to being caught as a drink driver, Truro magistrates heard.

Michael Manning, 67, of College Ope, Penryn, pleaded guilty to drink driving at Helston on March 27, when he tested at 58 mcg, 23 points over the limit.

Alison May, for the CPS, said a police car crew had seen him driving in Helston before 11 pm and had been attracted to his car because there were no lights on it. They stopped it and he smelt of liquor and failed a roadside breath test. He had no previous convictions.

His solicitor Rob Eccleston said he had been at his partner’s house, but after a disagreement between them, having previously intended to stay the evening, he decided to leave and drive home.

Manning was banned from driving for 16 months and fined £725 with £158 costs and surcharge.