Downton Abbey's Brendan Coyle banned for drink-driving after he's caught nearly three times over limit on New Year's Day

A Downton Abbey actor has been banned from the road after being caught behind the wheel on New Year's Day nearly three times over the legal drink-drive limit.

Brendan Coyle, who played valet John Bates in the ITV drama, appeared before King's Lynn Magistrates' Court where he admitted a charge of drink driving.

Norfolk Police confirmed the 53-year-old, who appeared in court under his real name David Coyle, 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 - nearly three times the legal limit.

Coyle has been handed a 50-month driving ban and ordered to do 100 hours unpaid work. He was also given a 12-month community order and told to pay £85 costs, plus a £60 victim surcharge.