A CARLISLE driver who resorted to drinking to overcome mental health problems was nearly three times the legal limit for alcohol when pulled over by police.

Lee Chapman Eilbeck, 42, was driving along New Market Road in Carlisle when he was pulled over by police on patrol.

Adrian Hollamby, prosecuting, said: “The defendant’s vehicle was first seen on the M6 and concerned members of the public contacted police.

“Police clocked the vehicle driving on Scotland Road in Carlisle and followed it.”

They followed Eilbeck to the Hardwicke Circus roundabout in the city centre, by which time it was clear to officers that the driver of the Vauxhall Corsa was drunk.

He was pulled over by police and was found to have 100mcg of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

The legal limit is 35mcg.

The offence - which took place on September 15 - was admitted by Eilbeck at Carlisle’s magistrates’ court on Tuesday.

Sara Budniak, defending, said: “It was a guilty plea at the earliest opportunity.

“He does have a number of mental health problems that he has been trying to deal with over the last few years.

“He has had issues with self harm and some level of suicidal tendencies.”

The court heard how Eilbeck had a history of using drink and drugs as a coping mechanism for his mental struggles, with the defendant recently beating his drug problem.

Explaining what happened on September 15, Miss Budniak said: “He had been drinking vodka and didn’t feel he was in a fit state of mind. He tried to get to a friend in Carlisle.

“He knows it is not acceptable to drive under the influence of alcohol and he is relieved no one was hurt.”

Since the arrest, Eilbeck has made positive strides.

“He has managed to overcome his drug problems by attending Unity. He doesn’t feel he is a regular drinker, but he will be mindful of this in the future, taking advantage of help.”

Presiding magistrate, Roger Birkett, banned Eilbeck was banned from driving for 25 months.

He was also given a nine-week curfew, requiring him to stay at his home address in Shadygrove Road in the Raffles area of the city, between the hours of 8pm and 7am.

Eilbeck was ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £90 victim surcharge.