A FATHER who borrowed his son's motorbike to go to the shop for a packet of cigarettes has been banned from the roads.

Carl Turner, 28, admitted three driving offences, including drink-driving, when he appeared at Darlington Magistrates' Court yesterday.

He also admitted driving without insurance and a licence.

Peter Smith, prosecuting, told the court that Turner, of Westminster Road, Darlington, had borrowed his son's bike, which cannot legally be ridden on the roads, on May 4.

The court heard that Turner had been drinking at home with his family when he ran out of cigarettes.

Police saw Turner in Geneva Road and tried to stop him. He clipped the kerb, falling off the bike, and tried to run off before being caught by officers.

Tests showed he had 83mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg.

Graham Hunsley, mitigating, said: "Rather foolishly, he decided to go on the bike rather than walk. The logic in his mind was that it doesn't go particularly quickly."

Magistrates banned Turner from driving for 20 months, which may be reduced if he attends a drink-drive rehabilitation programme, and fined him £200.

He was also fined £100 for driving without insurance, given six penalty points for not having a licence, and ordered to pay £60 costs and a £15 surcharge to Victim Support.