Swann blames drink-driving rap on “mercy mission” to rescue his trapped cat!

LONDON - England off-spinner Graeme Swann has told a Nottingham court that he was arrested for drink driving while on a mission to rescue his trapped cat.

The Nottinghamshire Police had charged Swann with drink-driving after being stopped in the West Bridgford area of Nottingham on April 2.

On Monday, the magistrates heard how he arrived at his home in West Bridgford, Nottingham, with his wife Sarah on April 2 to find their pet stuck under floorboards.

The 31-year-old told the court that he set off in his white Porsche Cayenne to a nearby 24- hour Asda store, only to be pulled over as he drove home.

“I’m sorry. I know I should not be driving, but I only went to Asda to get some screwdrivers to get the cat out,” The Sun quoted Swann, as saying.

Police officer Steven Denniss told the court that he checked the car because of a spate of burglaries in the area.A male got out of the driver’s seat with his hands in the air. I saw something in his right hand and saw a set of screwdrivers,” Denniss said.

“I could smell intoxicating drink on his breath and arrested him. His speech was slightly slurred,” he added.

Swann was given a roadside breath test, which gave a reading of 46 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

A second test at the police station gave a reading of 45, and a blood sample showed 83 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood - just three milligrams above the limit.

The case has been adjourned until October 7. (ANI)