A Carlisle man has been handed a lengthy motoring ban after racking up his second drink-drive offence in less than a decade.
Matthew Balazs, aged 36, admitted driving with his alcohol level above the legal limit when he appeared in front of city magistrates earlier today.
Prosecutor Peter Kelly said the crime came to light at around 11pm on February 11 this year while a police constable was on mobile patrol. That officer saw a grey Audi he believed was travelling too quickly. It was stopped on Carlisle’s Queensway and Balazs was the driver.
He provided a positive roadside test, and the lower of two further readings showed 57 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35ml.
Mark Shepherd, defending, said Balazs had described having three pints beforehand. He apologised for conduct that amounted to a “big misjudgment”.
That was also because he had committed a previous drink-driving crime and been handed a ban in 2013. Having recorded a second such offence within 10 years, he faced a mandatory minimum disqualification of three years.
This, said Mr Shepherd, was likely to cost the grounds worker “dearly”.
Magistrates fined Balazs, of Cavendish Court, Warwick Road, £120 and imposed a 36-month driving ban. This will be reduced by 36 weeks if he successfully completes a drink-drive rehabilitation course which was offered.
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