A DRINK-DRIVER who was ‘oblivious’ to the lights and siren of a police vehicle has been banned for three years.

Andrew Sharp, 45, was driving a Peugeot vehicle in Dearham at around 10pm on August 11 when police were driving to an unrelated incident, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said the defendant appeared “oblivious” to the lights and siren of the police vehicle. The officers tried to catch his attention on a number of occasions.

Sharp then turned off and got out of the vehicle. Police went over to speak to him and suspected he was over the limit.

A breath test showed he had 56mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit to drive is 35mcg.

Ms Fee said the defendant had been convicted of drink-driving in 2015.

Sharp, of Foxhollow Close, Broughton Moor, Maryport, pleaded guilty to driving with alcohol level above the limit.

The defendant, who was not legally represented, said: “I’m very sorry. I promise I will never, ever do this again. I mean this from the bottom of my heart.”

Magistrates banned Sharp from driving for 36 months, to be reduced by 36 weeks, if he completes the drink-driving rehabilitation course.

He was fined £397 and must pay £85 costs and a £159 surcharge to fund victim services.