AN ‘INTOXICATED’ man seen staggering across a car park was found by police in the driver’s side of a vehicle.

Nathan Pickles, 43, was seen by a witness ‘staggering across’ the Bell Close car park in Keswick on December 8, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said the defendant was seen attempting to get into the side door of the vehicle but was ‘too intoxicated’ to get in.

Pickles switched on the engine and lights. The witness had then contacted police. The defendant was located by officers in the driver’s side of the vehicle.

His speech was slurred and he ‘couldn’t hold a conversation’. The keys had gone into the footwell of the driver’s side of the vehicle.

Pickles failed to provide a sample at the roadside but gave a reading of 119mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath at the police station. The legal limit to drive is 35mcg.

During police interview, Pickles stated he was in the area following an argument with his partner. He spent a few days in the Lake District and had consumed alcohol in a pub in Keswick.

He accepted he was over the limit but said he hadn’t intended to drive his vehicle.

Pickles, of  Coates Lane, Starbotton, Skipton, North Yorkshire, pleaded guilty to being in charge of a motor vehicle with alcohol level above the limit.

Mr Iqbal, defending, said: “It’s a rather unfortunate incident. Something Mr Pickles deeply regrets.

“This is a gentleman who of impeccable character. He has held a driving licence for 21 years. He has three penalty points on his licence. They were incurred two years ago. They are the only points he has incurred.

“There is no high likelihood of driving in this case. He has no previous convictions. He has cooperated  fully with police. He thought he had done nothing wrong. He thought he was ok to go into the van.”

Magistrates banned Pickles from driving for three months and fined him £800. The defendant was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £320 victim surcharge.