Downton Abbey star Brendan Coyle given ban for drink driving

Downton Abbey actor Brendan Coyle has been banned from the road after admitting drink driving.
Coyle, 53, appeared at King’s Lynn Magistrates’ Court near his home in Heacham, Norfolk, on Thursday.
He pleaded guilty to drink driving after being caught on New Year’s Day, the court heard.
Norfolk Police confirmed Coyle, who appeared in court under his real first 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 – nearly three times the legal limit.
Coyle was reportedly returning home after undergoing alcohol rehabilitation at a clinic in Thailand.
The actor, who played valet John Bates in the ITV drama, failed a roadside breath test and was taken to a police station.
The court banned him from driving for 50 months. He was also ordered to do 100 hours’ unpaid work, given a 12-month community order and told to pay £85 costs, plus a £60 victim surcharge.