A DRINK driver who had to be cut from the wreckage of his overturned car has been banned from driving for five years. Michael Dutchyn – who gave an alcohol reading more than three times the limit and has a drink problem – must also take an extended re-tes

A DRINK driver who had to be cut from the wreckage of his overturned car has been banned from driving for five years.

Michael Dutchyn - who gave an alcohol reading more than three times the limit and has a drink problem - must also take an extended re-test before he ever gets back behind the wheel of a vehicle.

"You could have killed yourself or someone else," Dutchyn was told by presiding magistrate at Ely courthouse, Mary Rone.

After the accident Dutchyn had tried to start the engine of his Rover car even though none of its wheels were on the ground.

"Members of the public joined the police at the scene of the accident, trying to help the defendant," said prosecutor Laura Mardell. "A police officer smelled alcohol on his breath, and he gave a positive roadside test."

Dutchyn, of Lark Bank, Prickwillow, admitted drink-driving at Prickwillow on April 20. His blood test reading was 250 mgs of alcohol in 100 mls of blood, when the limit is 80 mgs.

The accident happened as Dutchyn drove along the B1382, said Miss Mardell

"He drove over a level crossing, lost control of his car, collided with an oncoming vehicle and hit the bank," she said.

"The car landed on the driver's side. His speed was excessive, he had veered into the other lane, and the car ended up on its side by the bank."

Dutchyn, who suffers from sclerosis of the liver, told the court he had undergone a rehabilitation programme at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, and had been told by doctors that he must not drink while taking medication.

He was given a 12-month supervision order, so the probation service can help him deal with his drink problem.