A MOTORIST who crashed into another car on the A6 near Penrith after being distracted by a deer was over the drink driving limit.

At Carlisle’s Rickergate Magistrates Court, Paul Nichols, 60, was given a 20 month driving ban after he admitted the offence, which he committed n September 26 while staying at a static caravan at Lowther holiday park.

Pam Ward, prosecuting, outlined how another motorist was in her car in stationary traffic with her five-year-old son when she saw a car approaching fast from behind.

The Chrysler car, being driven by the defendant, collided with her vehicle.

It left the rear bumper cracked.

At the roadside, Nichols immediately admitted the accident was his fault, said Mrs Ward.

He allowed the woman in the damaged car to take a picture.

“He was unsteady on his feet and smelled of alcohol,” said the prosecutor.

A short while later, police arrived at the static caravan where Nichols was staying, and beside him there was a bottle of vodka, which was less than half full, said Mrs Ward.

He readily admitted that he had consumed some vodka when he got home.

A test later showed Nichols had more than twice the legal limit of alcohol in his system.

John Smith, for Nichols, said that in his 30-year career as a defence lawyer the defendant was one of the most nervous people he had represented. Mr Smith said Nichols told him that on the day of the offence he had consumed vodka.

“He said he had a couple of swigs from the bottle – but I don’t know how big those swigs were,” said the lawyer.

“When the accident occurred, he was driving his own car fairly slowly, and he collided with the back of another car.

“There was no damage to his car and the vehicle bumper on the rear of the other car was cracked. He was fully cooperative with everybody.”

Magistrates imposed a £120 fine on Nichols, whose address was given as Hawkshead Road, Knott End-on-Sea, Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire. He was also banned from driving for 20 months and told to pay costs of £85 and a £30 victim surcharge.

He told the court he is prepared to take the drink drivers’ rehabilitation course.