A MAN who crashed into a Cockermouth landmark on Christmas day admitted drink-driving.

David Delvecchio, 41, of The Banks, Seascale, appeared at the magistrates court in Workington on Friday.

Diane Jackson, prosecuting, said Delvecchio called police at around 4am on Christmas morning to inform them he had crashed his car against the Mayo statue on Main Street in Cockermouth.

Breath samples taken by officers showed he had 70 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath - which is double the drink-drive limit.

Mrs Jackson said: "He was interviewed by police and said he met a friend at around 8pm and had a few drinks until 3.45am. He decided to drive back, he said he only had four or five pints and thought he was okay. He said that as he drove along the main road a male ran out in front of him causing him to swerve and he hit the monument."

Delvecchio, who was representing himself, told magistrates he had lost his job due to this incident.

Magistrates handed him a £120 fine and banned him from driving for 20 months. However, if he successfully completes a drink-driver rehabilitation course, his ban could be reduced by 20 weeks.

Delvecchio was also ordered to pay £85 costs and £30 victim surcharge.