Published at 17:14, Wednesday, 15 August 2012

A BOUT of drunken munchies has left an Ulverston man banned from driving.

Simon Coward pleaded guilty to drink driving when he appeared before Furness Magistrates’ Court yesterday(14).

Coward, of Devonshire Road, Ulverston, drank eight pints with friends before returning home on July 28.

When he got back he ordered a takeaway pizza – only to be told the delivery boy had finished his shift.

Coward, 44, then got into his Peugeot 307 and drove to the takeaway in Fountain Street.

Mrs Lisa Hine, prosecuting, told the court: “It’s around 12.20am on July 29 when police see a Peugeot parked half on the pavement, half off the pavement.

“The officer could see one customer inside the shop, that being Mr Coward.

“He confirmed it was his vehicle, and said once he had paid for his pizza he would move it.

“The officer noticed he smelled of alcohol and was arrested and cautioned.

“He said ‘I am drunk’.

“In interview Mr Coward said he had gone out drinking around Ulverston and drank approximately eight pints between 8.30pm and 11pm.

“He ordered pizza and was told the deliver boy had gone home so he decided to drive around the corner.”

Coward, representing himself, told the court: “It’s a stupid mistake.

“I’m working throughout the county and any ban will make it very inconvenient but trains and buses will have to be my transport.”

Coward was disqualified from driving for 20 months and ordered to pay a £350 fine, £85 court costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk