A PART-TIME barman had almost twice the legal limit of alcohol in his system when stopped by police for driving without lights in the early hours.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Lee Jason Orford, 26, had felt perfectly well and fit to get behind the wheel but a last orders short bought for him had turned out to be a double.

Orford, of Veevers Street, Padiham, admitted driving with excess alcohol. He was fined £70, disqualified from driving for 18 months and must pay £65 costs.

The court heard when officers stopped the defendant after midnight on Todmorden Road, Burnley, they noticed his breath smelled of drink.

The lower of two breath tests showed 67 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 mililitres of breath - the legal limit is 35.

Dylan Bradshaw, defending, urged the court to impose the minimum ban of 12 months.

Orford had been out for the evening, had a moderate amount of alcohol and felt perfectly fit and able to drive.

There was no criticism of his driving. The defendant thought he was displaying lights but did not wish to argue the point. There was no speeding, no police chase and Orford had no previous convictions.