A NUCLEAR worker driving under the influence of alcohol looked ‘aghast’ by the sight of a police officer on the road.

Police had been dealing with an unrelated incident in Cleator Moor in the early hours of March 30 when Joseph Appleby’s was seen being driven round a corner ‘at speed’ in an Audi vehicle. 

The officer was stood on the road and said it looked like the driver had to apply the brakes ‘quite suddenly’, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said Appleby, 26, was spoken to by police and appeared to be ‘aghast’ by the officer’s presence.

There was a strong smell of intoxicants and Appleby was asked if he would provide a sample of breath. He didn’t respond and just looked straight ahead.

The officer removed the keys from the ignition and the vehicle had rolled backwards before Appleby applied the handbrake.

A successful breath test was carried out on the third attempt after the defendant was informed failing to provide a sample was an offence.

He gave a reading of 67mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit to drive is 35mcg.

Appleby was placed under arrest and ‘became very apologetic’.

The defendant gave a sample of 64mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath at the police station.

Appleby, who was not legally represented, said: “I felt that I was ok to drive. Obviously, I wasn’t.

“I was giving my friend a lift to his brother’s house. I just made a really bad error in judgement. I apologise and I have learned from my mistake.”

The court was told that the defendant is working for Sellafield in a project manager’s role.

Appleby, of Grasslot, Maryport, pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle with alcohol level above the limit.

Passing sentence, Mark Gear, chair of the magistrates’ panel, said: “You are a person of previous good character. You made a very poor decision.

“You have got a responsible job at Sellafield.”

Appleby was banned from driving for 18 months. He was fined £641 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £256 victim surcharge.