A DRINK driver who struck for the second time in six months and while he was banned has walked free from court.

Burnley magistrates heard how Zahid Mahroof Hussain, 29, was more than twice the limit when police were called after he hit a lamp post in a night-time smash.

The defendant, who has an alcohol problem and is now said to be seeking help, was given 120 hours community punishment.

Hussain, of Albert Road, Colne, admitted driving with excess alcohol, using an uninsured vehicle and driving while disqualified, on June 18.

He was banned for three years but the bench made no order for costs.

Mike Cunningham, prosecuting, told the court a member of the public made sure the defendant stayed put until police arrived.

It was apparent to officers Hussain had been drinking and he was arrested.

He gave a blood sample, which revealed 172 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood - the legal limit is 80.

The defendant had been disqualified after drink driving in April.

John Hallam, defending, said Hussain had been going to the Alcohol and Drugs Service on Bull Street, Burnley. He needed help, his partner wanted him to get help and he was already on the way to getting his problem under control.