A DRINK-DRIVER who was caught over the limit while driving to the main gate of a nuclear site told a court he was ‘going to get the sack’.

William Shead, 54, was driving a Ford Transit Tipper at the main gate approach road to Sellafield at 7am on December 1, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said a specimen of breath was requested and Shead gave a reading of 40mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit to drive is 35mcg.

At the police station, the defendant gave an evidential sample of 49mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. No interview was conducted.

Ms Fee said Shead had a number of previous convictions for driving related offences including driving with excess alcohol and driving while disqualified in 2004.

Shead, of The Limes, Egremont, pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle with alcohol level over the limit.

The defendant, who was not legally represented, said: “I have been drinking a lot. I have had some family problems. I seem to have got it under control now.”

Shead was banned from driving for 14 months, to be reduced by 14 weeks, if he completes the drink-drivers’ rehabilitation course.

He was fined £500 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £200 victim surcharge.

When asked how he could pay the amount owed, Shead told magistrates: “I’m going to get the sack. I’m going to try and get another job.”