Millionaire host says punishment is ‘fair’ after receiving drink-driving ban

Radio host and TV presenter Chris Tarrant has apologised after he was given a road ban for drink driving.

The 71-year-old was over the limit while behind the wheel of his Mercedes on 16 December in Bucklebury, close to his home in Berkshire.

Tarrant entered a guilty plea to the charge at Reading Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

He was disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £6,000.

The court heard Tarrant’s breathalyser reading was 50 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. 0 Whowantstobea Millionaire? host Chris Tarrant The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.

After the hearing, Tarrant told reporters: “I made a mistake and I paid for it. I shouldn’t have driven – full stop.”

The presenter, famous for his role hosting hit quiz show Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?, said he was “very sorry”.

He said he drank “just enough to be over”, adding: “I honestly didn’t think I was over, but apparently I was, so fair enough.” Asked if he thought the punishment was fair, he said: “Yes.”

Tarrantwasatthebladebone Inn in Bucklebury from 12:30pm. The court heard he was served four drinks – all brandy and ports – but it was pointed out by his counsel they were not all drunk by him.

Prosecutor Hasrat Ali said pub staff were “concerned” Tarrant had decided to drive home after 2pm.