A SOLDIER from Kendal who crashed his car into a garden wall has been convicted of drink driving.

A court heard how Robert Askew crashed in the early hours of the morning having been out drinking with a friend.

The 20-year-old was driving home on Park Side Road on August 6 when he took a corner 'too sharply', South Cumbria Magistrates' Court was told.

Askew, of Castle Green Close, admitted drink driving when he appeared in court via video link.

Prosecutor Lee Dacre told the court: "The defendant told police he had been out with a friend.

"At 2am he was driving home in his car.

"He took a corner too sharply and he collided with a garden wall at a property.

"At 4am police carried out a roadside breath test and arrested him."

The court heard Askew's breath test showed him at the drink drive limit. Forensic scientists said he would have had between 48 and 79 micrograms in 100 millilitres of breath when he was driving two hours earlier - over the limit of 35.

Scientists estimated an average person would have had 68 micrograms of alcohol in breath/

Representing Askew, Andy Gallagher said: "We've heard this defendant was quite frank with police when interviewed. Had he not been he potentially would not have found himself in court today.

"He had been out with a friend to get something to eat and had some drinks and unfortunately made the decision to drive home.

"He tells me there was no damage to the wall, the only damage was to his vehicle."

Askew was sentenced to a fine of £400 for the offence and banned from driving for a total of 16 months.

He was also ordered to pay a £40 victim surcharge and costs of £85.

Askew accepted an offer to undertake a drink driving rehabilitation course, which would reduce the length of his ban.