A DAD, who had not seen his son for seven-and-a-half years, was ordered to pay more than £1,000 after being caught driving over the limit following a father son reunion.

David McKillop, from Lincolnshire, was spotted by police at the Poplars service station near Lymm after his friend started remonstrating with officers over an earlier accident involving the man.

Halton Magistrates heard on Thursday 42-year-old McKillop had been drinking with his son and his friend at the Lymm tennis club and expected his friend to drive.

But the court heard once it was clear his friend had drunk too much their plans had to change.

After McKillop had left his son at 12.30am on December 8 last year, they went to the service station to check into a hotel but found all the rooms were booked.

After being spotted by officers he was ordered to take a breathalyser test which gave a positive result and he was arrested.

Martin Jones, defending, said at the station McKillop wanted to call his pregnant wife but when officers refused McKillop refused to give them a second sample.

Mr Jones added: “It was the worst mistake of his life.

“Police decided to stop the van because of his friend’s behaviour.

“He was being boisterous and loud and making a general nuisance.

“My client was arrested and released the following morning after administering a breath test around 9am.”

During sentencing McKillop also claimed he suffered from asthma.

Alongside the fine, magistrates banned McKillop from driving for 12 months.