A DRUNK chef crashed his car into a lamppost and did a runner.

Andrew Walker was later found by police at his home in Maple Avenue, Ulverston, after locking the car and failing to report the smash.

Mr Lee Dacre, prosecuting, told Furness Magistrates' Court yesterday: "It was 5.06am when police were called to a road traffic accident in Springfield Road in Ulverston.

"The collision involved a red Vauxhall Corsa and police arrived on scene at 5.25am. The car had crossed the carriageway and crashed into a lamppost. The airbags had been deployed and the car was locked but there was no-one there.

"They found out the car's registered address and went to the defendant's home. He answered the door and had a cut to his head and had black marks on his face. His eyes were glazed and he smelt of alcohol.

"He told police he didn't know where the car was or the keys and was arrested."

Walker, 30, admitted driving a motor vehicle when his alcohol level was above the legal limit. He had 86 microgrammes in 100 millilitres of breath. The limit is 35.

Walker also pleaded guilty to failing to stop after the accident on January 22.

A further charge of failing to report an accident was withdrawn.

Mr Trystan Roberts, defending, said: "Obviously he has pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

"When he went out that night he had no intention of driving. But, alcohol affects people's judgment. He did hit a lamppost and as a result his car is a write-off. His insurance won't cover it because of how the accident occurred. He uses his car to get to his work as a chef.

"He also has a six-year-old son he sees at weekends who lives up the coast. He will have to rely on public transport or the generosity of family and friends for lifts. He worries that his contact could be affected by a ban."

The defendant was banned from driving for 20 months, fined £200 for excess alcohol and a further £150 for failing to stop and had his licence endorsed.

He was also told to pay £85 court costs and a £20 victim surcharge.