Father of One Direction's Louis Tomlinson 'in a particularly low state'

The estranged father of One Direction star Louis Tomlinson was found drunk in a Doncaster park after contemplating suicide, a court heard.

Troy Austin, 46, appeared before Doncaster Magistrates' Court charged with failing to provide a breath test while being in charge of a car.

Officers were looking for Austin after concerns about his welfare.

He was found in Cantley Park, Doncaster, on August 18 standing next to a car he had reportedly borrowed.

He had drunk alcohol to "build up the courage to kill himself", prosecutor Joanne Lewis-Crooks said.

She added: "Mr Austin's behaviour was not particularly good. He was trying to injure himself.

"Attempts were made to get Mr Austin to provide a sample which he didn't and a decision was made that Mr Austin should be taken to hospital due to concerns about injuries he had inflicted on himself."

Austin pleaded guilty to the offence at an earlier hearing and was given a conditional discharge by magistrates.

Mitigating, Ross Wagstaff said Austin was in a "particularly low state" on the date of the offence owing to a family dispute over a hotel his client part owned.

He said: "He had given up at that point."

Chairman of the bench Stuart Highfield gave Austin 10 points on his licence and he was ordered to pay £85 costs, a £15 victim surcharge and £150 criminal courts charge.

Mr Highfield said: "We have given you this chance, let's hope it's the one time we see you in court."

Speaking after the case, Austin's brother Terry Bolwell said the incident and his low moods were not linked to Tomlinson.