A YOUNG motorist who was caught drink driving in Carlisle told magistrates: “It was a massive mistake and I realise now how stupid it was.”

Provisional licence holder Louis Moore, 23, was stopped by police on Saturday, June 25, as he drove his Vauxhall Astra in Levens Drive, Carlisle.

He admitted drink driving, having no insurance and driving in a way not permitted by his licence.

Pam Ward, prosecuting at the city’s Rickergate court, said police spotted the defendant’s car at 10.15pm and decided to stop it because records showed it had no test certificate.

“The driver pulled to the nearside as if to park and then at the last second drove off again,” said Mrs Ward. When the officers caught up with the car again and stopped it, they noticed that there was a smell of alcohol.

“He admitted that having had a couple of drinks earlier,” said Mrs Ward. A test confirmed that Moore had 49mcg of alcohol in 100mls of breath. The legal limit for driving is 35mcg.

Addressing the court, the defendant, of Moorville Drive South, Lowry Hill, Carlisle, said: “I want to apologise. I am sorry for my actions… it could have been dangerous.”

He said he had been due to take his driving test and accepted that the inevitable ban he would receive would not unduly affect him as he lived close to his place of work.

Magistrates imposed a 14-month ban and a £466 fine, with costs of £85 and a £186 victim surcharge. The defendant was offered the chance to take a drink driver rehabilitation course.

Moore was not legally represented.

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