MAGISTRATES have handed a 16-month ban to an Eden blacksmith who was caught drink driving on November 24.

David Balmer, 45, committed the offence after visiting a local pub and having "three or four pints", Carlisle’s Rickergate court heard. He was then caught driving his Vauxhall Vivaro in Burrowgate, Appleby.

A breath test confirmed that he had 56mcg of alcohol in every 100mls of breath. The legal limit for driving is 35mcg.

Balmer admitted drink driving.

Defence lawyer Lauen Heasley told the court that the defendant, of Scattergate, Appleby, had not eaten before drinking but he said he did not feel drunk. The lawyer said the background included “considerable stress”.

Balmer was prescribed antidepressant medication since the death of his father. He welcomed any support he can be offered and his partner had noticed a “substantial decrease” in his alcohol intake since the offence, said the lawyer.

Miss Heasley added: “Covid took a real toll on his business. His workshop is several miles away from his home and he’s not sure how he will manage without his driving licence.”

Magistrates offered the defendant a place on the drink driver rehabilitation course which if completed by a deadline will reduce his ban by 16 weeks. He was also fined £186, with £85 costs and a £74 victim surcharge.