AN ELDERLY drink-driver who crashed his car on the way home from a pub had been out drinking because he was ‘lonely’.

David Little, 79, crashed his Kia vehicle on New Bridge Road in Workington while on his way back from Workington Railway Club on October 20.

Outlining the case at Workington Magistrates’ Court, prosecutor Pamela Fee said police were called to a road traffic collision near Tesco at 4pm.

Little’s vehicle had left the road and collided with an electricity box. When police arrived, the vehicle was on the pavement and Little was stood next to the driver’s door. He appeared to be under the influence and smelled of alcohol.

He was breathalysed and was over the alcohol limit. He was arrested and put in handcuffs. Officers found a knuckleduster in his jacket pocket.

Little gave a breath sample at the police station which showed he had 60mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit to drive is 35mcg.

During police interview, the defendant said he’d had two pints at a bar in Workington and then went to the Railway Club, where he had a further three pints.

He crashed the vehicle outside Tesco and said he knew that driving over the limit is not allowed. He said he decided to drive from the Travelodge to his home address.

Little said he goes to the pub two or three times a week and doesn’t drink at home because ‘it’s boring’.

He denied possessing the knuckleduster and said he had never owned one and didn’t know where to buy one.

A probation officer told the court that there were concerns over Little’s deteriorating health and vulnerabilities due to his age.

The court heard that his daughter believed he may have suffered a stroke and his physical health had deteriorated.

Little had described feeling ‘lonely’ and ‘isolated’ which led to him drinking at the pub. This was his only social outlet, the probation officer said. 

The defendant had previously been assaulted while leaving the pub on two occasions and his daughter believed this may have been why he was carrying a knuckleduster. However, Little denied this.

John Cooper, defending, said: “It’s a shame. The Railway Club is close to Northside. It’s a very short distance but he’s chosen to do it.

“He’s no idea how he got hold of the knuckleduster.”

Little, of Hillcrest, Northside, Workington, pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle with alcohol level above the limit and possessing an offensive weapon in public.

Magistrates imposed a 17-month driving ban, to be reduced by 17 weeks, if he completes the drink-drivers’ rehabilitation course. He was fined £200 and must also pay £85 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.

After being sentenced, Little told magistrates: “I won’t be driving at all. I’m finished with cars.”