A motorist who reported himself to the police for drink driving later changed his mind, claiming he had a history of making up stories to the police.

But when he appeared before magistrates in Carlisle, 54-year-old John Crawford had another change of heart - and again admitted commiting the offence in Longtown on October 14.

John Moran, prosecuting, described how witnesses Ronnie and Dale Ransom were in a house at Moor Crescent, Longtown, at 6pm that day when they heard a massive bang from the street outside.

When they went to investigate, they saw that a car belonging to one of the men had been damaged.

They also saw at the same time a Skoda Octavia - the defendant's car - driving off along the street into Moor Road.

At 6.15pm, the owner of the damaged car called Cumbria Police to report what had happened, said Mr Moran.

He said: "Three minutes later, the defendant called Cumbria Police. He said he had been drinking driving and collided with a parked vehicle in Moor Crescent."

As a result of that, police officers visited Crawford at his home address, given in court papers as Burnside, Longtown.

"The officers could see damage to Mr Crawford's Octavia," said Mr Moran.

A breath test revealed that the defendant had an alcohol reading of 91mcgs in 100mls of breath - just under three times the legal limit for driving.

The prosecutor continued: "Despite what Mr Crawford told the police, when he was called in for interview, he denied that he had been drink driving.

"He said he had panic attacks and a history of fabricating stories to the police. On that basis he pleaded not guilty."

But when he stood in the dock, the defendant changed his plea to guilty.

Asked if he had anything to say about the offence, he replied: "No."

The court was told that the defendant had.a previous drink driving on his criminal record, dating back 18 years.

Magistrates imposed a 26 month driving ban, and a nine week 7pm to 7am curfew. He was also told he must pay £200 costs, and an £85 victim surcharge.

Magistrates offered the defendant the drink driver's rehabilitation course, which if completed within a specified time limit will reduce the length of the ban.