A DRUNK man rode a mobility scooter belonging to a woman who lets people use it if they buy her a drink, a court heard.

Kelvin O’Leary, 18, had initially faced a charge of driving a motor vehicle with alcohol level above the limit but his defence solicitor argued he had not been driving a motor vehicle.

The offence was withdrawn by the prosecution and a charge dating back to the 19th century was put to the defendant instead.

O’Leary, of Derwent Bank, Seaton, Workington, pleaded guilty to being drunk in charge of a pedal cycle, carriage or animal, contrary to section 12 of the Licensing Act 1872.

Outlining the case at Workington Magistrates’ Court, prosecutor Pamela Fee said the defendant was seen by police riding a mobility scooter on Washington Street in Workington in the early hours of August 26.

It was being driven at speed on the pavement and then went onto the road into the path of the police vehicle.

The mobility scooter was stopped and the defendant said he hadn’t done anything and shouldn’t have been arrested. He resisted police, the court was told.

O’Leary was breathalysed and gave a reading of 52mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath.  

Ms Fee said it was fortunate there had been no injury to anyone.

John Cooper, defending, said: “There is a lady who lives in town who lets people on her mobility scooter if they buy her a drink. There are a significant number of people who have had a go on that scooter.”

The court was told that the defendant had only travelled between eight to 10 metres from outside The Well on Washington Street before he was caught by police.

Mr Cooper said: “It’s not a significant incident. The issue is, is it a motor vehicle? It isn’t.

“The charge that fits this offence was initially put in place for someone out with their horse and carriage, which can do much more significant damage. This mobility scooter can go up to 8mph.

“He has gone out with friends. He is not the first to go out on this scooter. It has been quite a lesson for him.”

Passing sentence, presiding magistrate, Charlotte Wood, said: “We haven’t dealt with something like this before.”

O’Leary was fined £186. He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £74 victim surcharge.