A drink-driver drove a work's van at high speed, "almost on two wheels" round a corner, before hitting a parked car.

A woman saw Gavin McAteer, 30, driving the Speedier Scaffolding van towards her on Gray Street in Workington, at an "extremely fast speed" of 50 or 60mph.

Workington Magistrates' Court heard that McAteer had carried on to a bend in the road and "took the corner so fast the van was leaning almost on two wheels".

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said the woman then heard an "almighty bang", but there was no sign of a van, which had hit a white Jaguar parked on the street.

There was "significant damage" to the rear and left side of the car. The van was located by police a few moments later. McAteer was in a house nearby. 
He was arrested and found with the van keys in his pocket. 

A breath test revealed he had 75mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.

McAteer accepted he had been driving while unfit through drink but said he didn't know he'd had an accident.

The defendant accepted he had the keys to the van and said he was an employee of the scaffolding company.

He said he had been drinking since 5pm and told officers he was trying to kill himself.

McAteer, of Nelson Square, Egremont, pleaded guilty to driving a vehicle with alcohol level above the limit and being the driver of a vehicle failing to stop after a road accident. The offences took place on April 22.

Sean Harkin, defending, said the defendant had gone out for a few drinks not intending to drive the van again. 

"He has made a gross error of judgement. He has self referred for help with his mental health and alcohol. He is full of remorse.

"Fortunately, he is going to keep his job but not being able to drive will put him back. 

"This defendant is wholly cooperative. He makes full admissions at interview and pleads guilty. A driving ban will cause him much inconvenience with employment and childcare."

McAteer was banned from driving for 40 months and given a six-month community order with alcohol and abstinence monitoring for 80 days.

He was fined £310 and must pay £85 costs and a £95 victim surcharge.