A YOUNG drink-driver who swerved and crashed his car had been to the pub before getting behind the wheel.  

Police were called to a one-vehicle road traffic collision in Cleator Moor just before 10pm on April 14.

Joshua Crowe, 19, was stood next to the Mini vehicle, which police described as having ‘heavy crash damage’, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said the defendant was over the alcohol limit and was arrested. A breath test showed he had 74mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit to drive is 35mcg.

During police interview, Crowe fully admitted to being the driver and said he had done something stupid.

Crowe had been drinking at the Wheatsheaf Inn prior to the offence. He said he had swerved to avoid something in the road and had crashed.

John Cooper, defending, said: “He’s 19 years of age. No previous convictions. There was full admission at the police interview. He’s fully cooperated in that interview.

“He’s currently working at Sellafield. He’s got a significant income. Work are keeping him on at the moment. The issue is getting him to and from work.

“He knows he’s made a stupid mistake.”

Crowe, of Prospect Row, Cleator, pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle with alcohol level above the limit.

Magistrates imposed a 20-month driving ban, to be reduced by 20 weeks if he completes the drink-driver’s rehabilitation course.

He was fined £478 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £191 victim surcharge.