by Ed Targett

A Canterbury councillor careered off the road while drunk behind the wheel of his car – leaving it stuck in a tree above a river.

Tory Neil Baker – who was more than double the legal limit - had to be helped from the airborne Renault Clio by a man who had seen the crash in Pean Hill, Whitstable.

Thanet magistrates heard the 30-year-old, who is chairman of the Canterbury Conservative Association, had "foolishly" knocked back drinks before driving to the city to see friends.

He had reached the junction of Bogshole Lane at 7.10pm when he claims he lost control – blaming ice on the road.

Prosecuting, Julie Farbrace said: "A member of the public saw the Renault Clio on Pean Hill swerve sharply to the left then leave the road.

"He went over to help and found the vehicle suspended in a tree over a river.

"He assisted the driver in getting out of the vehicle.

"Police attended and smelled alcohol on his breath. He was arrested and made a full and frank admission that he had been drinking.

"He stated he had lost control of the vehicle owing to possible ice on the road."

When breathalysed, Baker, of St Patrick’s Close, Whitstable, gave a reading of 83 microgrammes of alcohol in 100ml of breath – the legal limit is 35.

His defence solicitor Lewis Holloway said his actions had been "completely out of character" and he had already been reprimanded by Tory bosses.

He said: "Mr Baker tells me he had a few hours spare. He was going to see friends in Canterbury and foolishly decided to have a few drinks before he left.

"He is deeply ashamed. It is completely out of character for him.

"Mr Baker has already received some punishment. He has lost his position as a cabinet member at Canterbury City Council."

Baker, whose girlfriend is expecting twins, was banned from driving for 20 months, fined £200 and hit with £85 costs and a £25 victim surcharge. He paid the £310 after the hearing.

Approached outside the court, he declined to comment, but city council leader John Gilbey said: "I think he is obviously feeling very sorry for himself and I'm sure that it is totally genuine.

"He was enjoying the work he was doing on behalf of the Conservative group and I'm sure he will bounce back.

"It is very sad and it will make life difficult without use of a car."