Downton Abbey star banned for drink-driving in King's Lynn

Coyle, who appeared under the name of David Coyle, was more than twice the drink-drive limit after being pulled over by police on the A149 on January 1.

Lynn magistrates were told earlier today (Thursday, February 11) that Coyle, who is famous for playing Mr Bates on the popular ITV series, had “lively” flight home from a month at the Thai unit.

Coyle, described as a “recovering alcoholic”, was banned for 50 months and given a 12 month community order.

Prosecutor Sally Rose told the hearing that police had followed the BMW Convertible driven by Coyle on the A149 towards Heacham.

She told the court that Coyle was stopped and failed a roadside breath test.

Mrs Rose said he was taken to the Lynn Police Investigation Centre where he blew a lower reading of 98 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 micrograms.

The 53-year-old actor, of High Street Heacham, admitted drink-driving.

Mitigating, Steven Dyble told the hearing that Coyle had spent the entire month of December at a rehabilitation unit in Thailand.

He added: “I can’t say it was a success as the commission of the offence clearly shows it wasn’t and failed.

“As was made plain to the arresting officer, the flight home was quite lively.”

Mr Dyble told the bench that all the progress made in the previous four weeks had been lost on one flight.

He added: “For a few weeks those who were privileged to know Mr Coyle were very concerned about his well being in general.

“Fortunately on January 16 Mr Coyle admitted himself to the organisation Promise.”

The court heard that Coyle remained there until February 3.

Senior therapist Steven Bember from the Promise organisation also appeared to give evidence on the after care programme, which includes a two -to-four- day residential stay every four-to- six weeks.

The court was also told that Coyle, who has a previous conviction in 2011, has also embarked on the AA 12 steps programme.

Mr Dyble said: “He stands before you a very contrite man who appreciates he has a problem and is doing his best to confront it and very sorry for burdening you with this appearance.”

Probation officer Sharon Cooper told the court that Coyle described himself as a recovering alcoholic for the last four to five years and had felt he was ok to drive.

Mrs Cooper said: “There is a high level of remorse and a lot of relief that he did not hurt any other road users or himself.”

She said he had cancelled work contracts to focus on remaining sober and has taken two months off.

Magistrates disqualified Coyle from driving for 50 months.

He was placed on a 12 month community order with a 15 days rehabilitation activity and ordered to do 100 hours of unpaid work.

Coyle was ordered to pay £85 costs and £60 victim surcharge.