A DRINK-driver more than twice the limit ‘didn’t realise he had to stop at give way lines’, a court was told.

Aaron Hewartson, 26, travelled home on the train from an engagement party in Maryport just after midnight on October 26.

After arriving in Whitehaven, he went to collect his car and while driving home, he collided with another vehicle, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said the defendant was breathalysed and gave a reading of 90mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath at the roadside. The legal limit to drive is 35mcg.

Hewartson was taken to the police station where he gave an evidential sample of 88mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath.

During police interview, the defendant said he came out of the car park and ‘didn’t realise he was supposed to give way’. He said he thought he had the right of way and hadn’t realised he had to stop at the give way lines.

He was aware he was over the alcohol limit. He said he thought he was driving between 30 and 40mph. He didn’t see the other vehicle until the last minute.

John Cooper, defending, said it had been a ‘stupid decision’.

He said Hewartson would have been driving slower than he had disclosed to police, as he was pulling out of a junction.

Mr Cooper said: “It seems to be a relatively low speed collision.

“He’s not a gentleman who needs to be told not to do this again. He’s pleaded guilty. He was remorseful in the interview.”

A probation officer told the court that Hewartson had described his behaviour as ‘ignorant’ and ‘selfish’. He recognised the serious consequences of driving while intoxicated, the court was told.

Hewartson, of Winchester Drive, Whitehaven, pleaded guilty to driving with alcohol level above the limit.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order with 40 hours of unpaid work. Hewartson was banned from driving for 22 months, to be reduced by 22 weeks, if he completes the drink-drivers’ rehabilitation course.

He must pay £85 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.