Brierfield drink-driver three times over limit ended up on roundabout

Engineer Steven Clark was sitting in the vehicle and, when police spoke to him, said: “I’m sorry. I’m a idiot and I deserve all that’s coming to me, but at least I won’t have to do my speed awareness course next month.”

Pennine magistrates heard how Clark continued: “I don’t know why I did it. I’m stupid. I deserve to lose my licence.” The defendant was arrested and a test later showed 103 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml of breath - the legal limit is 35.

The defendant (26), of Woodville Road, Brierfield, admitted driving with excess alcohol in Scotland Road, Nelson, on January 21st. He was given a six-week curfew, every night of the week, between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. and was banned for two years. Clark must pay £85 costs. He had no previous convictions.

Mr Philip Turner, for Clark, said he had left his car in Barrowford and had gone into Burnley by taxi with friends.

When it came time to leave, the defendant realised he had left his house keys in his car. He took a taxi back to Barrowford and “almost inevitably” made a poor decision, on the spur of the moment, to drive home.

The solicitor continued: “There was an accident. Nobody else was involved and to his credit, the defendant remained by the car in circumstances where many would not.”

Sentencing, Bench chairman Mary Thomas told Clark: “I don’t need to tell you how stupid you have been.”