A Falmouth man, who has spent much of his time working as a fisherman in Thailand, was in Cornwall so that his teenage daughter could take her school exams when he was caught as a drink driver.

Alison May, for the CPS at Truro’s magistrates’ court, said police had received reports about a car he was driving and he was stopped in Mawnan Smith at 8pm on April 13.

Adam Harvey West, aged 40, of Trevellian Road, Falmouth, pleaded guilty to drink driving, when he registered 59 mcg – 24 points over the limit. He had no previous convictions.

His solicitor Rob Eccleston said he had been living in Thailand since 2007 and intended returning there in 18 months. He was going to work here shortly as a fisherman. He had been drinking in a local pub earlier that day and offered no excuse for his offence.

West was fined £200 with £85 costs and surcharge and banned from driving for 16 months.