OVER-the-limit motorists from north Cumbria have been handed driving bans after they were prosecuted at Carlisle’s Rickergate Magistrates’ Court.

Some of those put before the court confirmed that they will now lose their jobs as a result. The cases - all heard on Tuesday - included the following:

  • Nicholas Johnson, 59, of Roper Street, Penrith, who admitted drink-driving in his BMW on the A6 at Eamont Bridge, Penrith, on September 24.

Police stopped him after getting an anonymous tip-off. His alcohol reading was 90mcg in 100mls of breath - nearly three times the 35mcg limit. Steven Marsh, for Johnson, said the defendant worked mainly as a van driver, a job he will now lose.

The day after a family gathering, he had agreed to have a couple of pints on the way home. A man of previous good character, he was fined £250, with £85 costs, a £32 surcharge, and banned from driving for 22 months.

  • Tracey Waugh, 48, of Colville Street, Denton Holme, Carlisle. She was prosecuted after police saw her drive her Volvo across a roundabout in James Street, Carlisle, at 1.25am on September 29.

She had a breath alcohol reading of 49mcg.

Paul Tweddle, defending, said she had miscalculated how much she had drank during a night out with friends. “She felt she was perfectly safe to drive,” said the lawyer. She drove for a company which sells various goods, but had been told that because of the prosecution she had been fired, added Mr Tweddle.

Waugh was given a 14-month driving ban, with a £125 fine, £85 costs, and a £32 surcharge.

  • Also prosecuted was 22-year-old Scott McCamish, of Blackford, Carlisle. He admitted drink-driving on London Road on September 28. His breath alcohol reading was 77mcg.

“Officers decided to follow the defendant’s vehicle after seeing the driver swerving and crossing the centre hatching lines,” said prosecutor Pam Ward. McCamish immediately admitted drinking two pints that evening.

Paul Tweddle, defending, said the defendant’s job involved driving to breakdowns for the family business. “His father is not best pleased,” said the lawyer. McCamish will keep his job, but on less favourable terms.”

He was banned for 19 months, and fined £400, with £85 costs.

  • Susan Chambers, 48, admitted drink-driving on Wetheriggs Rise, Penrith, where she lives, on September 25, having a breath alcohol reading of 55mcg.

With a poorly husband, and not sleeping well, she drank that day to relieve the tension she felt, said Paul Tweddle, defending. A close relative’s death had left her in an emotional state.

Chambers was fined £125, with £85 costs, and a £32 surcharge, and she was banned from driving for 14 months.