A drink-driver who reversed into a caravan had his car keys removed by a member of the public to stop him from leaving the scene.

Ian Crosbie, 70, was driving a Volkswagon Tiguan at Herdwick Croft Caravan Park in Dubwath, near Bassethwaite, just before 9.30pm on September 29.

Police received a report of a motorist driving the vehicle who had reversed into a static caravan, Workington Magistrates’ Court was told.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said Crosbie was the driver and his wife was in the vehicle. He attempted to drive away from the scene, the court heard.

Ms Fee said the defendant was approached by a member of the public who took the keys from him, preventing him from leaving.

Police arrived on the scene and Crosbie was breathalysed. He was taken to the police station, where he gave a reading of 58mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.

Crosbie gave ‘no comment’ throughout police interview.

The defendant, who was unrepresented, told magistrates that it was “just stupidity”.

He said: “It was a very badly lit site. There was no excuse. It was stupidity.”

Crosbie, of Glendorch Avenue, Wishaw, North Lanarkshire, pleaded guilty to driving a vehicle with alcohol level above the limit.

He was banned from driving for 16 months, to be reduced by 16 weeks, if he completes a drink driver’s rehabilitation course.

Crosbie was fined £120 and must pay £85 costs and a £48 victim surcharge.

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