A drink driver caught on Christmas Eve after turning his car on its roof and trapping himself inside told the police he had drunk five pints of Fosters, but felt fine at the time, although he knew he would be over the limit.

When he was tested at the police station he registered 57 mcg, 22 points over the limit for alcohol in breath.

At Truro Magistrates’ Court Christopher Mark Foster, 43, of Saracen Way, Penryn, pleaded guilty to drink driving and to using a vehicle without insurance.

Alison May, for the CPS, said the vehicle had collided with a council lamp post and wall. Emergency services were called to the upturned car but Foster was able to get himself out.

In court he told the magistrates he had not seen his children for some time and was anxious to take them their Christmas presents.

“All I could think about was making sure they had their presents”, he said.

Foster, a care worker, was fined £300 with £115 costs and surcharge and banned from driving for 16 months.