A DRINK-DRIVER from Windermere crashed into the back of a car, failed to stop and had children as passengers a court heard.

Paul Michael Clarke, 34, of Ghyll Road at Windemere drove his Vauxhall Vectra into the back of a Vauxhall Astra on Park Avenue on June 4, while three and a half times the legal alcohol limit.

Prosecuting, Lisa O’Loughlin told magistrates in Kendal how Clarke had refused to give his details to the other driver, who had to jump out the way when he sped from the scene.

She said the Astra driver had seen two children in the vehicle, adding: “One of the children only looked about 10-years-old.”

The court heard how a passing driver had followed Clarke and gave his registration number to the police.

Clarke, who was on his way to buy alcohol when the accident occurred, was tracked down and a breath tests carried out at the police station revealed 125 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.

Mitigating, Chris Evans said Clarke had only had a few drinks that day.

“He had been drinking to excess the night before,” he said. “Like many motorists he was not fully aware that alcohol drunk the previous night can stay in your system for a considerable amount of time.”

Mr Evans said Clarke, who is the sole carer of two children, regretted his actions, adding: “He is entirely appreciative of the potential risk not only to other motorists but the young occupants of his car.”

The case was adjourned until July 21 for pre-sentence reports.