A DRINK driver was caught on one of Carlisle's busiest roads after police were given a tip-off, magistrates heard.

At the city’s Rickergate court, 48-year-old Ray Batey pleaded guilty to the offence, which he committed on August 27 as he drove his Skoda Fabia along Eastern Way in Carlisle.

George Shelley, prosecuting, told the court: “Officers received information that this defendant was suspected of driving over the prescribed limit.

As a result, his Skoda Fabia was stopped on Eastern Way, Carlisle.”

A breath test showed that the defendant had just under 80mcg of alcohol in 100mls of breath.

The legal limit is 35mcg.

Mark Shepherd, defending, said Batey had been driving for 31 years and was currently suffering from long Covid, having been diagnosed with the virus in December.

For a long time, said the lawyer, the defendant had battled with his mental health.

Mr Shepherd spoke of the demanding work that the defendant did, which had involved him loading eight wagons by himself in a single shift.

“That’s very difficult physically,” said the lawyer. “It’s also extremely stressful.”

On the day in question, he had done something he never really did – and drank. He was now sorry for breaking the law as he did.

Mr Shepherd said the defendant, of Innerhaugh Mews, Haydon Bridge, was trusted by a friend – who worked in a stroke rehabilitation centre in Carlisle – to collect her daughter from school.

“He’s not someone who is simply reckless with a disregard for safety of others members of the public.”

Magistrates fined the defendant £470, with £85 and a £35 victim surcharge.

He was banned from driving for 19 months and offered the drink driver rehabilitation course.