Darren Day disputes police in drink-driving case

Darren Day has pleaded not guilty to drink-driving at almost twice the limit, a court has heard.

Cardiff Magistrates' Court was told the 39-year-old, who gave his address as Pontefract Road, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, was pulled over by police in the Welsh city at around 1.50am on June 18.

Lynne Bartlett, prosecuting, said officers from South Wales Police noticed a Mercedes travelling at speed in the opposite direction while they were parked at the junction of St Mary Street and Wood Street.

The court heard that after officers turned their car around they pulled the Mercedes over when they saw it go through a red light.

Ms Bartlett said officers attempted to use a breathalyser test at the roadside but had to take Day to the station when the machine was unable to give a reading.

At the police station, Day gave a reading of 65 micrograms in 100 millilitres of breath. The limit is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.

Jenny Kumeta, defending, said her client disputes the manner in which the officers claim he drove the car and said he was only in the vehicle for 20 seconds. She also said there are 'issues' regarding the breathalyser test.
Deputy District Judge Neale Thomas adjourned the case until August 27 when it will be listed for trial at 10am.

Day, who is currently starring as Cornelius Hackl in Hello, Dolly! at the Empire Theatre, Liverpool, was released on unconditional bail.

The offence was allegedly committed while he was in the same production at Cardiff's New Theatre.