A TEACHER who refused to take a breathalyser test after police suggested he was watching nearby children as he sat in his car drinking beer has been banned from driving for three years. Desmond Keating, 56, who was caught drink-driving the next day, must

A TEACHER who refused to take a breathalyser test after police suggested he was watching nearby children as he sat in his car drinking beer has been banned from driving for three years.

Desmond Keating, 56, who was caught drink-driving the next day, must also carry out 120 hours' unpaid community work. He will also take part in a drink-impaired driver's programme while supervised by the probation service for two years.

At an earlier court hearing, Keating, formerly of Purls Bridge, Manea, now living in Staffordshire, admitted failing to provide a breath test on March 22, and drink driving on March 23.

Police were called to Park Road, Manea, on March 22 where Keating was sitting in his car drinking beer. He refused to give a roadside breath test, or take a test at the police station.

A member of the public alerted police the next day after seeing Keating's car weaving across the road, and braking sharply. His breath test reading was more than double the legal limit. He had a previous conviction for drink driving, and for failing to provide a breath test.

At a previous hearing, solicitor Anita Waterman said it was "an odious suggestion" that Keating was watching children.

At Fenland Magistrates' Court this week, solicitor Mauro Maselli said: "He found himself in a traumatic situation. His marriage had come to an end and he was apart from his children.