A drink-driver decided to drive home from a work's night out when there were no taxis available.

Reece McCourt, 26, a welder at Sellafield, had been out drinking in Whitehaven before driving his Audi back home on April 29.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, told Workington Magistrates' Court that police officers were made aware of a vehicle failing to stop road after a traffic collision at 10.40pm.

Officers did a search, trying to locate the vehicle. They came across McCourt's white Audi A3 which had damage to the bumper.

McCourt was stopped and accepted he was driving, but denied being involved in a crash, the court was told.

A roadside breath test was positive and McCourt was arrested and taken to the police station. He had 81mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.

He gave no comment throughout police interview.

The defendant, who was unrepresented, told magistrates: "I was in town on a work's do. I had a couple of drinks. I suffer with anxiety. I felt like I needed to get home. There were no taxis. My phone was dead. I jumped into my car, stupidly."

McCourt, of Latrigg Road, Whitehaven, pleaded guilty to driving with alcohol level above the limit.

He was banned from driving for 20 months, to be reduced by 20 weeks, if he completes a drink-drive rehabilitation course.

The defendant was also fined £672 and must pay £85 costs and a £67 victim surcharge.