A MAN who had been on a two-day bereavement drink binge was more than three times the legal drink drive limit when he was breathalysed at 3.20pm.

Blackburn magistrates heard Lee Birtwistle had been drinking for two days after attending the funeral of a close friend.

On the third day he went to another funeral and drove home after having a 'few' pints but crashed into parked cars on his way.

Birtwistle, 47, of Harcourt Road, Accrington, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol, without insurance and test certificate.

He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with a six months alcohol treatment requirement and 150 hours unpaid work.

He was banned from driving for 25 months and ordered to pay £85 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said police called to Ormerod Street, Accrington, found a Seat driven by Birtwistle had collided with two parked cars causing extensive damage to all three vehicles.

Damian Pickup, defending, said Birtwistle had started using alcohol as an 'emotional crutch' after a series of set-backs in his life.

His daughter had been diagnosed with leukemia, his marriage broke down and a mobile catering business failed, the court heard.

Mr Pickup said :"Following the first funeral he had been drinking for two days.

"He drove to the second funeral, not intending to drive home, and had a few pints.

"He felt OK and decided to drive but clearly that was a bad decision. He had topped up the alcohol in his system."