A DRINK driver told a court he felt 'lucky I didn't kill anyone' after being caught at nearly double the legal limit.

Keiran Ashworth was found by a police officer having lost control of his car driving near Brettargh Holt roundabout, South Cumbria Magistrates' Court heard.

The 28-year-old student mental health nurse said he lost control of his car after one of the tyres deflated as he was driving.

Tests proved he had 60 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, over the legal limit of 35.

Ashworth admitted the offence when he appeared in court in Barrow.

Prosecutor Peter Kelly described the offence, which happened on the A591 in the early hours of April 7. He told magistrates Ashworth was tested for alcohol by a police officer out on patrol in the area.

He said: "PC Hay confirmed that around 4am he was on uniform patrol at Brettargh Holt roundabout when he saw a vehicle on the grass.

"He went to investigate what was going on and encountered the defendant who was in the vehicle and on a mobile phone.

"He indicated that he lost inflation on a tyre, which had caused him to go round the roundabout and lose control.

"The officer asked him to take a roadside breath test that came back positive.

"He appears to have been cooperative with the police throughout his time with them."

The court heard Ashworth, of Joshua Street in Todmorden, West Yorkshire, had no previous convictions.

Ashworth explained to the court why he had got behind the wheel of his Suzuki Swift that night.

 "I don't usually go out drinking," he said.

"I went out for my stepmum's birthday.

"There had been a big fight and I wanted to get out of there.

"I just feel lucky I didn't kill anyone - it could've been a lot worse.

"I regret it and I'm happy with just a ban."

Magistrates fined him £326 and banned him from getting behind the wheel of a car for 17 months.

Ashworth was also ordered to pay a £130 victim surcharge and £85 in prosecution costs.