Drink-driver from Nelson is banned from road

David Lee Parry had been spotted by officers in Eastern Avenue, Burnley, and they were concerned about his driving.

It was dark and there was thick, dense fog, with visibility of less than 10m.

Pennine magistrates were told Parry was spoken to by the police, who could smell alcohol on his breath. His speech was said to be slurred and his eyes glazed.

A roadside sample proved positive and a police station test showed 59 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Parry, a £100-a-week full-time factory worker, admitted driving with excess alcohol in Marsden Road, Burnley, on January 11th. He had no previous convictions.

The defendant (24), of Newfield Drive, Nelson, was banned for 16 months and was fined £110, with a £20 victim surcharge.

The Bench, who queried his earnings, did not make any order for costs because of his low income.

Miss Sara Lyle (for Parry) said he had had a few drinks, but had felt fine and had not thought he was over the limit. Parry fully co-operated with police.

Miss Lyle said the defendant worked for a factory in Burnley.

She said she had discussed Parry’s wage with him and continued: “Because of financial difficulties the firm is in, in effect he’s doing them a favour.

“He’s worked there for quite some time.”