A pensioner who was caught behind the wheel of his BMW while over the legal limit had earlier told police he was getting picked up from the pub he'd been drinking in.

Michael Reed had been out in Dover when he came to the attention of police because his keys were in the ignition of his vehicle and the engine was running.

The 70-year-old told officers he was not going to drive the car as he was being picked up by a family member who going to take him home.

However, later in the evening, officers spotted his BMW being driven in King Street in the town and pulled the car over and Reed was at the wheel.

He was given a breath test and gave a reading of 59 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Reed, of Wellington Terrace, in Sandgate, near Folkestone, was charged with drink-driving and admitted the offence when he appeared at Folkestone Magistrates' Court on February 15.

During the hearing, Reed described the incident as "out of character" and said he has not slept properly since.

The court heard it happened on the evening of January 13 and Reed had no previous convictions.

District Judge Justin Barron asked Reed if he disputed any of the facts in the case.

Defending himself, Reed said: "I didn't have anyone to come and collect me. I don't recall saying that to the officer."

Judge Barron also heard Reed had gone to the pub because a family member had taken on the venue and it was opening night.

Reed added: "I never drink and drive. I never got to the pub, (but) I did have too many.

"I am extremely sorry, I've not slept properly since. It's really out of character."

Judge Barron banned Reed from driving for 12 months and fined him £120 and ordered he pay a victim surcharge of £48 and £85 costs.

He added: "I accept what you say that you made a mistake."

If Reed completes a drink-driving course, his ban will be reduced by a quarter.