Drunk Horsforth businessman abused female police officers who arrested him at his home after he drove to his local garage while three times over the limit

Andrew Knight became abusive towards officers when they went to his home in Horsforth after being contacted by a concerned member of the public.

Leeds Crown Court heard a van driver tried to stop Knight from driving his Audi after he was seen swerving across the carriageway on Scotland Lane.

Knight was drunk when he decided to take the two mile journey to his local garage at 10.30am on May 20 this year.

Joseph Bell, prosecuting, said the incident took place during lockdown but pedestrians, young families and joggers were in the area at the time and were put at risk.

A man driving behind Knight became concerned when he saw the defendant's car swerve into the opposite lane above the speed limit.

The driver feared Knight had fallen asleep at the wheel and flashed his lights and sounded his horn to attract his attention.

Knight refused to stop and continued around a bend at speed.

The defendant then stopped his car and the van driver pulled over, shouting at Knight to get out of his vehicle.

The defendant closed his car door and continued driving down a single track lane.

Two female police officers went to Knight's home on Dean Head, Horsforth, at 11am.

The 36-year-old became abusive towards the officers, saying: "I'm going to do you in a big way."

Kight also told the officers he was not prepared to listen to two women telling him what to do.

The father-of-three also asked the officers: "Do you know who you are hammering.down?"

An unopened bottle of wine was found inside Knight's car.

A breath test showed Knight to be more than three times the drink drive limit when he was taken to a police station.

Knight pleaded guilty to drink driving and dangerous driving.

The court heard the defendant ran a successful recruitment business.

Tom Gent, mitigating, said Knight had been under pressure at work, was struggling with his mental health and had begun using alcohol "as a crutch."

Mr Gent said Knight had sought help over his drinking since the incident and is working to turn his life around.

The barrister added: "He bitterly regrets his actions.

"It was grossly irresponsible of him and he is ashamed and embarrassed of himself.

"He recognises that his behaviour was inexcusable."

Knight was given a ten-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to do 120 hours of unpaid work and was banned from driving for two years.