Airline Pilot Banned From Driving After Second Drink-Drive Offence

AIRLINE pilot Robert Lyons committed his second drink-driving offence within a couple of months on the day he drank a bottle of red wine and then drove to a supermarket. But Lyons – already banned from driving for three years -- was involved in an acciden

AIRLINE pilot Robert Lyons committed his second drink-driving offence within a couple of months on the day he drank a bottle of red wine and then drove to a supermarket.

But Lyons - already banned from driving for three years -- was involved in an accident on the Ely by-pass -- and police discovered he was a disqualified driver and behind the wheel when over the alcohol limit.

Fifty-seven-year-old Lyons, who worked for Scot Airways, was first banned from driving for three years back in October - because he gave a high alcohol reading when caught drink-driving in Folkestone.

But on December 17 the pilot, of Windmill Walk, Sutton, decided to drive his old BMW car on the back roads to Ely.

Lyons has referred himself to Drinksense, and resigned from the airline, solicitor Michael Judkins told Ely magistrates.

"The contrast between his work in flying, and the periods in between, meant he would be at home in Sutton alone, and he would resort to alcohol," explained Mr Judkins.

"He had a long and unblemished career as an airline pilot."

A representative from the airline said Lyons kept his job after the first drink-driving offence, because it was believed it had been an aberration. But Lyons could not continue working as a pilot after the second offence.

Lyons was banned from driving for three years and was given a nine-month supervision order, and must pay �85 costs.