A PUB licensee was on his way back from the wholesalers when he was found behind the wheel of his car nearly five times over the drink-drive limit.

Police were called to attend Bridgefoot Roundabout on the A595 / A66 in Workington on April 28.

A member of the public was concerned about a vehicle that appeared to have broken down on the side of the road, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

When police arrived, Adam Lee, 36, was sat in the driver’s seat and attempted to start the engine.

Prosecutor Pamela Fee said the defendant was “clearly under the influence of something”. Lee was breathalysed and gave a reading of 170mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The limit to drive is 35mcg.

There was an empty bottle of vodka in the front passenger footwell. Lee was “drooling excessively” and his face was “very red”, the court was told.

He was taken to the police station but there was a delay in the breathalyser procedure.

The roadside breath test was carried out just after 4pm but it was just after 9.20pm by the time he was breathalysed at the police station. He gave a reading of 95mcg of alcohol in 100ml of blood.

Ms Fee said the offence was aggravated by the likelihood of the defendant driving and the fact he was trying to drive the vehicle.

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Lee, of The Brown Cow, Main Street, Cockermouth, pleaded guilty to being drunk in charge of a motor vehicle.

The defendant, who was not legally represented, said: “I was coming back from the wholesalers for my business, which isn’t doing great at the moment.

“I’m going through a lot of personal problems. We are just struggling to make ends meet.

“Since the incident I have spoken to mental health people. I have joined AA [Alcoholics Anonymous].

“I am sorry for what I have done. It’s brought shame on myself and my partner.”

Lee said he would be taking a step back from the business to take him away from alcohol and the temptation. His partner would continue to run the pub, the court heard.

Magistrates banned Lee from driving for six months. He was fined £120 and must pay £85 costs and a £48 victim surcharge.

Lee was informed that the council would need to be notified in respect of his pub licence.