A DRINK-driving motorcyclist with no helmet ran a red light before slamming into the side of a car.

Tony Moorhead, 27, suffered serious head and leg injuries in a collision on Carlisle’s Warwick Road, witnessed by several motorists at about 11.30pm on December 4.

One, William Young, was driving a Hyundai towards the city centre when he stopped at traffic lights at the junction of Spencer and Brunswick streets. As lights turned green Mr Young moved forward.

“He saw what he describes as a flash of light from the right hand side, with an impact to the offside of his car,” prosecutor Gerard Rogerson told Carlisle Crown Court.

“That flash of light turned out to be Mr Moorhead, who was riding a Honda motorcycle, riding without a helmet.”

Motorists went to help Moorhead, who was taken to hospital. Post-collision blood tests revealed he was almost twice the legal drink-drive limit. It emerged he’d been banned from driving in 2015 having collided with stationary vehicles while under the influence of alcohol.

Paul Tweddle, defending, confirmed Moorhead, of Harrison Street, Carlisle, suffered serious leg and head injuries in the crash.

“He indicates he is still having ongoing treatment in respect of that. These are long-term injuries,” said Mr Tweddle. “He realises the seriousness of the situation he has got himself into.”

Moorhead admitted dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and no insurance.

He was jailed for six months by Judge David Potter, who heard the defendant had 81 offences on his criminal record. Referring to Moorhead’s 2015 driving conviction, Judge Potter told him: “It is clear to this court you learned nothing from that incident.”

He also received a two-year driving ban and must take an extended re-test.