AN OVER-the-limit motorist was caught after he collided with a motorcycle on one of Carlisle’s busiest roads.

At the city’s Rickergate court, Douglas Ogilvie, 57, told magistrates that he thought he had left sufficient time between his last drink and driving his Rover car on the day on the accident, on November 18.

He admitted drink driving and was given a 17-month driving ban.

Prosecutor Pam Ward said police were called to Nelson Bridge in the city at 2.15pm after getting a report that there had been an accident.

The defendant’s car had clipped the rear of a motorcycle, and the rider was knocked off his machine. Police found him sprawled in the road, with one legged trapped under his motorbike.

A breath test confirmed that Ogilvie, of Raiselands Road, Carlisle, had just over twice drink drive limit of alcohol in his system.

In court, the defendant - who works as a delivery driver - told magistrates: “I thought I’d left enough time between my last drink and driving but unfortunately that wasn’t the case.”

He said the accident happened after a car suddenly turned right in front of him without indicating.

He did manage to slow down, but his car caught the motorbike’s rear mudguard, knocking the rider off balance. Ogilvie said the inevitable ban he faced would have a devastating impact on his household income.

“I can’t apologise enough” he said.

“I’ve pleaded guilty because it happened, and unfortunately it was a total misjudgement on my part. I didn’t feel any effects [of the alcohol}. I’m 58, and have limited transferable skills; I'd be lucky to get another job."

Magistrates imposed a 17 month ban with fines and costs totalling £403. They also offered Ogilvie the drink drivers' rehabilitation course, which will reduce the length of his ban if completed in time.