A DRINK-DRIVER who caused a crash on the M6 has been banned from getting behind the wheel and fined.

South Cumbria Magistrates' Court heard a car being driven by Robin Scott, of Kelswick Drive, Nelson, was in collision with another vehicle close to junction 40 of the motorway at Shap.

Scott pleaded guilty to driving while over the alcohol limit.

Diane Thompson, prosecuting, said the accident took place when Scott was attempting to overtake another car.

Extensive damage was caused to both vehicles and Scott's car left the road and ended up on its side on the grass verge.

A breath test revealed Scott had 79 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath - the legal limit being 35.

Miss Thompson told the court that when questioned by the police, Scott said that he had had a bottle of vodka in his car, which he drank immediately after the crash.

However, witnesses at the scene told police they had arrived soon after the crash, and that would not have been possible.

In mitigation, Mr Scott's solicitor explained his client had a serious drinking problem and was entering into a detox programme.

He had been drinking heavily in order to try and cope with problems with his marriage and feeling isolated.

Scott was disqualified from driving for for three years and fined £250. He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.