NO DRIVE BANFOR STAR’S DAD

Drunken suicide bid in car

ONE Direction star Louis Tomlinson’s dad has escaped a driving ban after being found drunk in a car and attempting to take his life.

Troy Austin, 46, appeared before a court charged with failing to provide a breath test.

Officers were looking for Austin after relatives reported him missing with concerns for his welfare.

He was found in his car last month after downing cans of lager. A court heard he had drunk booze before driving to “build up the courage to kill himself ”.

He was arrested and tried to further self-harm at the police station, before being moved to hospital.

Joanne Lewis-Crooks, prosecuting, said: “His behaviour is not particularly good. He was trying to injure himself. Attempts were made to get him to provide a sample, which he didn’t.”

Austin, who has not spoken to his pop star son for three years, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing. Yesterday he was given a conditional discharge – but no driving ban at Doncaster Magistrates’ Court.

Ross Wagstaff, defending, told the court Austin was in a “particularly low state” after a business bust-up with his brother over a hotel they co-own – The Caribbean in Doncaster. He added: “He had given up at that point.”

Speaking after the case, Austin’s brother Terry Bolwell said the incident and Troy’s low moods were not linked to Louis, 23.

A family member said Troy was depressed after being disowned by friends. He said: “He’s lost all of his friends.”

Austin was given 10 penalty points and ordered to pay £250 in court costs.