A DRINK driver who used his car the day after drinking 15 pints of Fosters lager has been given a 20 month driving ban.

Graham Stanley French, 57, who believed he was not over the limit when he drove the car, committed the offence on June 14, Carlisle Magistrates' Court heard.

He admitted driving with excess alcohol.

The court heard that when police caught up with French, of Scalegate Road, Upperby he told them he had been drinking the night before, and so he had not driven his car until lunchtime the following day. He and his then partner had argued at this point and he had driven home.

A breath test showed he had 74 mgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath – just over twice the legal limit. Gail Heard, for the defendant, said: “He didn't believe he was over the limit.

"He knew he'd been drinking and left the car until lunchtime, but clearly he was still over the limit … but he accepts he is the author of his own misfortune.”

She added that Mr French was dependant on alcohol and was seeking help from the Unity alcohol and drug recovery service.

As well as imposing the ban, District Judge Gerald Chalk fined French £150, with £85 costs, and a £30 victim surcharge.