A PROFESSIONAL driver facing a ban after he drove to a Carlisle shop while under the influence told magistrates: "I'm on the scrapheap!"

Stephen William Glaister, 57, who walked into the city's Rickergate Magistrates Court with the aid of a walking stick, told magistrates that his decision after drinking to drive to a local shop meant he had bought the most expensive packet of cigarettes ever.

He admitted drink driving on January 21.

Prosecutor Julie Hansel said he was caught after police received a tip-off.

"Police received information that this man had left his address in his car while intoxicated," the lawyer told the court.

At 4.45pm that day, police found the defendant at his home address in Margaret Creighton Gardens, Carlisle.

His car was parked outside.

"The officers breathalysed him and it was a positive sample," said Mrs Hansel.

"He was arrested and taken to the police station, where he then provided a further reading."

His breath alcohol level was 65mcg in 100mls of breath.

The legal limit is 35mcg.

The prosecutor added: "He said he had driven his car before the police banged on his door. He said the police must have just missed him getting out of his car."

John Smith, for the defendant, said: "Mr Glaister had been at his home, and consumed some alcohol but decided he needed some cigarettes.

"He has mobility issues and perhaps the alcohol had affected his judgement.

"It clearly did affect his judgement because he decided to take his car to buy cigarettes.

"As he said to me: it was probably the most expensive pack of cigarettes he will ever have had.

"H has told his employer.

"He thinks he will now be uninsurable.

"It's not a good point in his life. He doesn't think he'll be working for the foreseeable future. He's going to be losing his job."

Magistrates imposed a £120 fine, £85 costs, and a £30 victim surcharge

They also imposed an 18 month driving ban, but said that the disqualification can be reduced if the defendant successfully completes a drink drivers' rehabilitation course.

As he left court, Glaister said to magistrates: "I really apologise."