AN M6 drink driver has been banned from the roads for more than two years.

Cumbria Police said they were alerted to a motorist driving erratically close to Brettargh Holt, near Levens, in the early hours of Saturday, August 10.

Daniel Balmer, 32, was stopped by officers on the northbound M6 motorway near to junction 39 while driving a black Mini.

A roadside breath test of 103 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath showed he was nearly three times over the legal limit of 35 micrograms.

Balmer, of Southwell Square, Carlisle, was found guilty at South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court for failing to provide a specimen for analysis following the incident. Police said he failed to provide a sufficient volume of breath upon arrival at Kendal Police Station.

PC Simon Smith, of South Cumbria Mobile Support Group, said: “We are pleased Balmer has been taken off the county’s roads. His actions that night were extremely dangerous as he attempted to drive back to Carlisle from Ulverston.

“Driving under the influence of alcohol severely impacts your ability to drive safely and respond to potential obstructions on the road. Fortunately on this occasion nobody was harmed because of a drink driver’s actions.

“I hope Balmer’s disqualification sends a clear message to those who would consider driving under the influence. The danger you cause yourself, your passengers and other road users is extreme and can result in the loss of life.”

Balmer was disqualified from driving for 26 months and also ordered to pay £175 in costs and to carry out 100 hours' unpaid work