GRAHAM FORD, Kent's director of cricket, has been disqualified from the road for 16 months after admitting drink-driving.

Ford, 45, was stopped by police outside his home in Puckle Lane, Canterbury, on Wednesday, September 20.

He was pulled over by a marked police car after the officer noticed his car was driving very slowly and nearly clipped a kerb.

Ford was taken to the police station where he gave a breath test. He was found to have 58 microgrammes in 100ml of breath – the legal limit is 35 microgrammes.

Ford spent the night behind bars and appeared before Canterbury magistrates the following day.

David Nelson, defending, said Ford had gone for an unexpected drink with his colleagues at the St Lawrence cricket ground in Canterbury. He then left and drove the short distance home in his Volvo.

Mr Nelson added that Ford, who earns £3,000 a month, was very embarrassed by the incident and he was not sure how the county would view it.

Ford was fined £700 and ordered to pay £43 costs within 28 days. He was also offered the option of a drink driving course to be completed by July, 2007, at the cost of £250.