A taxi driver found slumped in his cab, smelling of drink and slurring told police he had eaten too many "birthday chocolate liqueurs".

Dariusz Lech, 37, was seen "swerving from right to left" and without lights as he drove through Newcastle last month, the city's magistrates heard.

Lech, of Newcastle, refused a breath test and claimed he had not been drinking but had taken strong painkillers. He was banned from driving for 12 months and has lost his job.