A DRINK-DRIVER who told police he had only drunk one pint of lager has been banned from getting behind the wheel for a year.

Officers were carrying out routine checks on a Ford Transit travelling on the A595 in Egremont at 12.30am on December 5.

The driver, Lewis Donnelly, 38, wound down the window and there was a ‘strong smell of alcohol’, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Prosecutor Pamela Fee said the defendant spoke to officers and stated he had drunk one pint of lager a few hours ago.

A breath sample showed he had 40mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.

Donnelly, of Cross Side, Egremont, pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle with alcohol level above the limit.

The defendant, who was not legally represented, said: “I blew 40. If I had blown 39, they would have let me go. I was just one over. I’m sorry about that.

“It’s going to affect my job. I will lose my job and my home.”

Donnelly was banned from driving for 12 months, to be reduced by 12 weeks, if he completes the drink drivers’ rehabilitation course.

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