A motorist's decision to move his car to a safer parking place led to him getting a £260 fine and a 15 month driving ban.

Magistrates sitting in Carlisle heard Ken Gitaka Gathere, 22, offer a detailed apology for driving his car in Castlegate, Penrith, after he had spent an evening socialising and drinking wine with friends.

He pleaded guilty to a single offence of drink driving on September 18.

Prosecutor Pam Ward outlined how the defendant was caught after police spotted his Ford Fiesta driving along the road without its lights on.

Noticing that his breath smelled of drink, the police officer involved breathalysed Gathere and confirmed he was over the limit.

He had 52mgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath. The limit is 35mgs.

The defendant, of Stricklandgate, Penrith, who has never been in trouble before, read aloud his apology to the court. “I am ashamed of my actions,” he said.

Gathere then explained that on the day of the offence, after he played football with a local team, he had been invited to a house party, where he had drank two glasses of wine.

A friend had raised concerns about where his car was parked, saying that boy racers were known to use that route.

“My car being new, I feared for its safety,” said the defendant.

“I didn’t think I was over the limit – I felt okay.

“I drove the car 0.2 miles. I have a good working history and have been honest with my employer.”

Magistrates imposed a 15 month ban together with a £260 fine, £85 costs, and a £30 victim surcharge.

They also offered Gathere a drink driver’s rehabilitation course.