Downton Abbey Actor Banned For Drink Driving

Downton Abbey actor Brendan Coyle has been banned from getting behind the wheel for more than four years after being caught drink driving.

The 53-year-old, who played valet John Bates in the ITV drama, was found to be nearly three times the legal alcohol limit when he was stopped on New Year's Day.

Coyle was reportedly returning to his Norfolk home in Heacham after undergoing alcohol rehabilitation at a clinic in Thailand.

He pleaded guilty to drink driving when he appeared at King's Lynn Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

Norfolk Police have confirmed Coyle, who appeared in court under his real name David, was caught on the A149 near King's Lynn while driving a BMW convertible.

He gave a reading of 98mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath - almost three times the legal limit.

Banned from driving for 50 months by the court, Coyle was also ordered him to do 100 hours unpaid work, given a 12-month community order and told to pay £85 costs, plus a £60 victim surcharge.