A MAN who crashed into three cars while taking his dog to be put to sleep was well over the drink drive limit at the time, a court heard.

Nicholas Tate's breath alcohol reading was three times over the permitted level when checked about three-and-half hours after the collision.

A woman suffered a hairline wrist fracture, as well as whiplash, as a result of the accident at Three Bridges, Ulverston last July.

A judge dealing with Tate at Preston Crown Court told him: "It is a mercy of providence that neither you nor the other road users suffered a serious injury".

The 47-year-old of Oubas Hill, Ulverston, had pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving with excess alcohol. He was given four months prison, suspended for two years, with 12 months supervision and a four month long curfew to operate from 9pm-7am each night.  

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Charles Brown, prosecuting, said the accident took place before midday on July 26th on the A590.
     
The defendant's Volkswagen Passat had crossed the double white line and hit three oncoming vehicles. Tate was injured and cut out of his vehicle.
     
He was taken by ambulance to Furness General Hospital, Barrow, and his breath was tested three-and-a-half hours later.
     
His alcohol reading was three times the drink drive limit. One driver had earlier managed to avoid a collision, but had sounded his horn, which apparently drew no reaction.
    
Tate had collided with three vehicles travelling behind.  One man sustained a gashed knee.

The third car was written off and a woman inside had a hairline fracture to her right wrist, needing physiotherapy. She also had whiplash.
    
In police interview the defendant said his dog had been ill the day before.  He had drunk over the course of that day and evening.  He went on to have little food or sleep.
    
He had decided to take the dog to the vet.  He said the dog had started to howl and this briefly drew his attention away from the road.
    
A number of testimonials were handed in to the judge on his behalf.  The court heard Tate had thought the alcohol would have been metabolised in his system by the time he drove.
    
Andrew Scott, defending, said to all intents and purposes, his client was a valued and upstanding member of the community in Ulverston.
    
The defendant had been taking his dog to be put down and had a momentary lapse of concentration. Fortunately for all concerned, the injuries which resulted were not serious.
   
Mr Scott submitted that a suspended sentence could be passed.

"He is a very well respected and well known member of the community who does voluntary work. He has not drank since the day of the collision."