A DRINK driver who told magistrates he may now lose his job has been given a 20 month ban.

Richard Homoelle, 52, was spotted in Fisher Street Carlisle on January 20 as he got into his VW van, clearly intoxicated, Carlisle's Rickergate court heard.

He admitted drink driving.

The court heard that the defendant was stopped on nearby Finkle Street, where he nearly collided with a parking restriction sign.

In court, the defendant said: "I'd like to say how stupid and remorseful I feel about what's happened."

A wagon driver by profession, Homoelle, of St Edmunds Park, Carlisle, said he did not normally drink very much and that he had made a stupid mistake.

On the day of the offence, he had taken his daughter out for lunch.

"I could now lose my job," he said.

"I am sorry for what I have done: it was a stupid, stupid, mistake I have made, which is costing me everything. I wish I could turn the clock back but I can't."

Magistrates fined Homoelle £350, with a £135 surcharge, and costs of £85.

Magistrates said they had not choice but to impose the ban, but offered him the drink drivers' rehabilitation course, which if completed by March 24 next year will reduce his ban.