A MOTORIST who collided with a parked car made a 'stupid decision' to drive after drinking with friends in Barrow town centre, a court heard.

A court heard how Ian Anthony McGowan was arrested by police having collided with a parked car near to his home on the night of December 8.

The 52-year-old defendant was found to have been around one and a half times the drink drive limit, South Cumbria Magistrates' Court was told.

He admitted drink driving when he appeared before magistrates.

Prosecutor Lee Dacre said police were called to the collision on West Shore Road on Walney just before 10pm on the night.

McGowan was said to have told officers he had been drinking earlier in the evening.

A roadside breath test showed the driver was over the limit for alcohol and was arrested.

Further tests revealed he had 53 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, over the limit of 35.

The court heard the defendant had 11 previous convictions.

In mitigation, Karen Templeton said McGowan had regretted the decision to drive.

She described how he had gone for drinks with friends after work and left his Audi A5 in Barrow town centre.

He was unable to get a taxi and went to retrieve something from his car before deciding to drive home, she said.

Ms Templeton said after the collision McGowan 'fully cooperated' with neighbours who came out and the police.

"He describes himself as being absolutely mortified by what he's done," she said.

She added: "He was due to be promoted this year to have his own van and make him a bathroom fitter, but obviously that's on hold now.

"He's made a stupid mistake, he fully cooperated with everyone afterwards.

"He's very sorry about what happened, I'm sure he won't be doing it again."

Magistrates sentenced the defendant, of West Shore Road, to a fine of £323 for the offence.

McGowan was also banned from driving for 15 months and ordered to pay a £129 victim surcharge and £85 in costs.