Published at 11:12, Thursday, 02 August 2012

A MOTORIST was drink-driving when he crashed his car into a block of flats and forced the occupants to evacuate, a court has heard.

Tom Jackson Smith, 22, appeared in court last week following the crash at St James’ Court, on the corner of Queen Street and High Street, Whitehaven, in the early hours of June 24.

Smith’s Renault Clio left the road and struck the corner flat of the block, the occupants of which had to be moved amid fears of structural damage.

Appearing at West Cumbria Courthouse, Smith, of The Crest, Whitehaven, pleaded guilty to drink-driving and driving without due care and attention.

After his arrest, he provided a breath sample of 57mcgms of alcohol in 100mls of breath; the limit is 35.

Smith was banned for 16 months and must pay fines totalling £200 plus £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk