A TRAINEE teacher from Timperley believed dieting may have played a part in him failing a breath test on New Year’s Day.

Luke Cooke, 26, was pulled over on the M60 motorway because police had wanted to speak to him regarding an earlier matter.

It was noticed he had been drinking and a sample showed 42 micrograms of alcohol in his system – the legal limit being 35.

Cooke, of Mainwood Road, told Manchester magistrates that he had started a new diet.

“I think the new diet could have had something to do with my reading.

“I am very confused and I am not happy with myself,” he said.

Cooke admitted driving with excess alcohol in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

He was fined £110, disqualified for 12 months with £50 costs and £20 surcharge.