A DRUG driver who was under the influence of cocaine was caught after he crashed into a house.

Steven John Wallace, 48, drew attention to himself at 2.25am after a resident heard a loud bang, and looked out of his window in Springfield Road, Carlisle, and saw that a Suzuki car had crashed into a house.

At the city's Rickergate Magistrates' Court, Wallace, of Lund Crescent, Carlisle, admitted four offences: careless driving, failing to stop after an accident, drug driving, and driving with no proper insurance.

Pam Ward, prosecuting, described how a neighbour had seen Wallace in his Suzuki car immediately after the accident in the early hours of June 22.

"The driver was trying to reverse with some difficulty from the property," said Mrs Ward.

"He was revving loudly, and spinning the wheels on the grass, and trying to reverse across the junction of Pennine Way."

When police caught up with him, the defendant's eyes were glazed, and he was struggling to comprehend simple questions.

Forensic tests later confirmed that he had 17 times the legal limit of the cocaine derivative benzoylecgonine in his system.

Mrs Ward said the damage to the house he crashed into cost £2,155 to repair.

"He has a previous conviction," said Mrs Ward.

"On July 16, 2018, he was convicted of failing to provide a specimen for analysis while attempting to drive. He was disqualified for 28 months. That offence was later than this one."

In court, the defendant said he had no idea the cocaine derivative was still in his system.

"And I thought I was insured," he added.

After hearing about the case, magistrates imposed a community order with a six week 7pm to 7am curfew.

They also ordered Wallace to complete 194 hours of unpaid work, and 15 rehabilitation activity days.