A SELF-EMPLOYED motor mechanic was more than three times the drink drive limit when police stopped him on his way back to Clitheroe.

Blackburn magistrates heard Adam Lawson had not intended to drive home at the end of his first night out since the tragic death of his wife 15 months earlier.

Lawson, 39, of Mayfield Avenue, Clitheroe, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol.

He was fined £376 with £85 costs and £37 victim surcharge and banned from driving for 23 months.

Enza Geldard, prosecuting, said police were told of a silver Vauxhall Astra which was being driven by a man who appeared to be intoxicated.

Around 11pm they saw the car near McDonald's on the A59 and it was zig-zagging across the road.

Lawson stopped when police activated their blue lights and officers said his speech was slurred and he was having difficulty maintaining concentration.

Ian Huggan, defending, said Lawson and his family had endured a traumatic 15 months following the sudden death of his wife in December 2015.

"The cause of death was related to heart disease and it was nothing anyone was aware of," said Mr Huggan. "He set up as self employed to try and manage his time earning a living and looking after the children."

He said when Lawson went out on the night of the incident it was the first time since the death of his wife.

"He hadn't intended to drive home but foolishly he did," said Mr Huggan. "Things will be harder for him with the loss of his licence."