A MANCHESTER judge has voiced his concern at the number of young men and women appearing in court for drinking and driving.

Dealing with a 27 year old gallery manager District Judge Jonathon Finestein said: “It is most alarming – this sort of thing didn’t happen 20 years ago.”

Christopher Ward left the city magistrates court in tears after being fined £600 and banned off the road for 20 months.

The judge said “I can see you are full of remorse and so you should be.

“You were so drunk you could have risked someone’s life as well as your own.”

Ward, of Winster Avenue, Stretford, admitted driving with excess alcohol – he was nearly three times above the legal limit on January 14.

Prosecutor Subhanur Chowdhury said Ward was stopped on Trinity Way at 1am for not displaying lights.

The court heard that he had been out with a pal and had several beers and wine.

Ward was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £60 surcharge.