An Eden Valley motorist was caught drink-drinking after losing control of a vehicle which then flipped over on a remote country road.
Gordon Stewart (38) had been at the wheel of a black Audi when the collision occurred close to the hamlet of Raisbeck, near Orton, on 9th December.
Magistrates sitting in Carlisle were given details of the incident by prosecutor George Shelley.
“This is a case where Mr Stewart has flipped his vehicle on a bend,” he said. “Then, having been subject to a road traffic collision, he has left the vehicle and walked across fields.”
Stewart sought assistance from two people at a nearby address. Initially he falsely said a friend had been driving the car before confessing that he had been responsible.
“The couple at the address were concerned and called the police. They described that the male stank of alcohol,” said Mr Shelley.
Officers attended and Stewart, of New House, Orton, admitted he was driving and had flipped the vehicle before walking to the address.
In court he admitted drink-driving having provided a specimen of breath which showed the alcohol content was just over twice the legal limit.
Representing himself in court, Stewart said he had written a letter to magistrates providing background information. From the dock, he admitted to being “very regretful”. “I have lost my job as a part of this,” he said.
Stewart had since found new employment and told the court: “I just need to hopefully move on from it and hopefully repair the damage I have done. It was a stupid decision.”
Magistrates fined Stewart £500 and banned him from driving for 20 months. He agreed to take up the offer of a rehabilitation course which, if completed, will reduce the disqualification length by 20 weeks.
