THE former leader of the Conservative group on Ipswich council will not be prosecuted for alleged drink-driving.

THE former leader of the Conservative group on Ipswich council will not be prosecuted for drink-driving.

John Cooper, who is still a Tory member of the council, was asked to give a sample of breath when police visited him at home following an allegation that his car had been involved in a minor accident.

"The police were called after someone claimed that my car brushed against their car and that I had failed to stop," said Mr Cooper.

"Officers called at my home in the evening of that day and during our conversation asked me to take a breath test.

"I said I had had a drink at home that evening, but I had not been driving at all that evening.

"It was slightly over the limit, but as I was not driving that was not relevant. A further analysis proved negative anyway," he added.

Suffolk Police refused to officially confirm Mr Cooper had been arrested, but a spokesman said: "A 61-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving with excess alcohol.

"No charges will now be brought against him on that matter. However he has been reported for summons regarding another motoring offence."