Scientist who helped design breathalysers caught DRINK DRIVING after mounting roundabout

A BOFFIN who helped design breathalysers has himself been banned for drink-driving.

Dr Richard Lacey, 70, mounted a roundabout in his car after drinking wine and beer with lunch.

Times Newspapers Ltd

Dr Richard Lacey (pictured in 1989) helped design breathalysers[/caption]

Lacey, who is now retired from his company Tilekiln Tech Consultants Ltd, failed a roadside breath test.

And he told the court: “I’m retired.

“I designed breathalysers and used to work with the police.

“I had a couple of glasses of wine with lunch and a few pints of beer.”

The court heard Lacey’s breath was measured at 41 ­micrograms — exceeding the legal limit of 35 micrograms.

He pleaded guilty to a single charge of drink driving.

Lacey, who represented himself, said: “I’ve really got nothing to say.

“I misjudged how much I’d drunk.”

Breathalysers were developed in the 1970s — and Lacey became the latest caught after police were called to the collision on the A479 near Talgarth, Powys.

Prosecutor Shane Maddocks told Llandrindod Wells magistrates the driver was described as “wobbly” when police arrived at the scene.

Mr Maddocks said Lacey had no previous convictions.

Lacey, of Kington, Herefordshire, was disqualified from driving for 13 months — but can reduce this ban by 13 weeks by completing a drink-drive awareness course.

He was also fined £600 and told to pay a £240 surcharge and £85 costs.

PA:Press Association

Breathalysers were developed in the 1970s[/caption]