A FIRST aid trainer who has worked with Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme candidates has been banned from the road for drink driving.

Glyn Gower, 49, who has no previous convictions, was found in a clearly drunk state in his camper van after police received reports about the poor standard of his driving, Carlisle’s Rickergate court was told.

A test showed he had 259mcg of alcohol in 100mls of blood. The legal limit for driving is 80mcg.

Peter Kelly, prosecuting, said police had responded to calls from concerned residents on July 18 about Gower’s driving.

“The defendant was found in situ in the vehicle,” said Mr Kelly. “It became apparent that he was intoxicated.”

Gower had suffered a head injury, making police suspect he fell before they arrived.

The defendant was taken to The Cumberland Infirmary. Meanwhile, a search of his VW Transporter van yielded an empty Bells whisky bottle and a second empty bottle which police suspect had contained alcohol.

When interviewed, Gower accepted he had driven but claimed he had had only a “small shot” of whisky – a claim disproved by the blood alcohol reading, said Mr Kelly.

Sophie Hall, defending, said Gower apologised and felt ashamed.

A self-employed first-aid trainer, he had worked with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme for nine years.

He also worked with Winchester College, and provided training for outdoor education centres – including in the Lake District.

Explaining the impact of a ban, Mrs Hall said the defendant's work involved travelling widely across country, to both the south coast, Wales and Scotland.

“A prolonged disqualification would have devastating consequences for his business,” said Miss Hall.

“He'd have to cancel all his jobs.”

Gower's home in the Hampshire village of Boldre was five miles from the nearest town, with only a very limited bus service. "His licence is crucial to him," added the lawyer.

Rejecting the plea to avoid a ban, magistrates said they had considered the defendant's high alcohol reading and his poor driving- so bad several members of the public expressed concern. They also noted Gower's previous good record.

They imposed a 12-month community order, with 100 hours of unpaid work.

Gower was banned for 26 months and must pay £85 costs and a £95 victim surcharge. He was offered the drink driver rehabilitation course.