A DRINK driver who crashed into a lamppost in Brampton was attempting to take his own life, magistrates heard.

The defence lawyer representing Ryan Adam Elliott, 36, said the crash at Front Street, Brampton, was the result of a suicide attempt made while the defendant was depressed.

Elliott, of Market Place, Brampton, admitted drink driving.

At Carlisle’s Rickergate Magistrates’ Court, prosecutor George Shelley outlined how police were called out to the scene of the crash on September 23 and arrived in Front Street to find Elliott’s Ford Fiesta crashed into the lamppost.

People at the scene identified the defendant as the driver and prevented him from driving away, said the prosecutor.

A roadside breath test confirmed that the defendant had 96mcg of alcohol in every 100mls of breath, though a later evidential test at the Durranhill Police HQ in Carlisle produced an alcohol reading of 92mcg.

The legal limit for driving is 35mcg.

Mr Shelley added that the defendant, who has no previous convictions, admitted his wrongdoing right away, telling the officers that he was trying to self-harm.

Anthony Wilson, defending, told magistrates: “Mr Elliot found himself at the lowest part of his life, and was suffering from depression. It had got worse and he had decided to end his life.

“That’s why he crashed into the lamppost.”

The car crashed a short distance from where Elliott had previously parked it and so he had driven only a short distance. Since the crash, he had sought help, from both Mind and from his GP.

He was now taking medication to combat his depression, said Mr Wilson.  “He’s had no alcohol since the incident,” said Mr Wilson, adding that the defendant was apologetic and had cooperated fully with the police.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order with 60 hours of unpaid work on the defendant, who works in a local school, though in what capacity was not specified in court.  He was given a 24-month ban.

He must pay £85 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.

The defendant was offered a drink driver rehabilitation course, which if completed by an agreed deadline will reduce the length of his ban by 24 weeks.

Help is available at any time from the Samaritans. Call this number free to access help 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org

There is also information and advice on the prevention of young suicides from Papyrus, who can be contacted on 0800 068 4141, or by emailing pat@papyrus-uk.org.