Brierfield man over drink-drive limit on M65 on Boxing Day

Peter Shorrock told Blackburn magistrates he had not intended to drive when he spent Christmas Day with friends in Preston.

He said the man was an alcoholic and his wife suffered from MS and he had prepared Christmas dinner for them as the man was too drunk and his wife was unable.

“Later in the day we talked about his alcohol problem and he turned nasty,” said Shorrock. “Without thinking I got in my car and drove. I am very embarrassed and ashamed.”

Shorrock, of Balfour Close, admitted driving with excess alcohol. He was fined £300 with £100 costs and banned from driving for 12 months. The court heard Shorrock gave a reading of 59 against the legal limit of 35.