Duisenberg pays drink-driving fine

Former European Central Bank president Mr Wim Duisenberg has paid a euro300 drink driving fine after he was breathalysed by police…

Former European Central Bank president Mr Wim Duisenberg has paid a euro300 drink driving fine after he was breathalysed by police before Christmas, Dutch prosecutors said today.

Mr Duisenberg, 68, who retired as ECB president in November to make way for France's Mr Jean-Claude Trichet, was found to be over the legal alcohol limit after taking a random breathalyser test on December 18th, Amsterdam's public prosecutor said.

"He paid the fine and that brings an end to this case," prosecution spokesman Robert Meulenbroek said.

The minimum penalty for drink driving in the Netherlands is €220. Drivers found to be above a certain limit are taken to court where they can face jail and have their driving licence withdrawn.