A drink-driver who crashed into a parked car while trying to phone his girlfriend told magistrates: “I'm not a bad person.”.

The Carlisle court heard how Tiago Dasilva Leao, 33, landed himself in trouble at 5.45am on August 14 when he crashed his VW Passat in Myddleton Street, Carlisle.

The car's owner was alerted by the resulting loud bang.

A roadside breath test later revealed that the defendant, of Thomlinson Avenue, Raffles, was more than twice the drink-drive limit.

In court, Dasilva Leao admitted drink-driving.

Peter Bardsley, prosecuting, said the man whose car was damaged called the police after checking to see what happened.

Dasilva Leao told him he would rather not involve the police.

He also confirmed he had crashed while trying to drive and call his girlfriend at the same time, said Mr Bardsley.

When police arrived, Dasilva Leao confirmed that account.

The prosecutor said: “He told the officers he'd lost everything.

“He confirmed he had driven to Carlisle alone in his VW Passat, and had gone to town to have a drink.

“He wanted to relax.”

Dasilva Leao had intended to collect his car the next day - when he was fit to drive - and so had four or five whiskies and coke.

But as he was walked home he banged his head on a lamppost, he told police.

It was after this that he decided to drive, knowing he was drunk. He said he had also felt confused.

The court heard that Dasilva Leao had a previous conviction for drink driving in 2008 when he was given a 16 month ban.

In court, Dasilva Leao told magistrates: “I'm so sorry.

“I was getting my life back together after I split up with my ex, but what happened on August 14 has put everything back... I just happened to do something really silly that night.”

Magistrates imposed a three year driving ban, with a £300 fine, and associated costs of £115. They noted the defendant's genuine remorse.