A TEENAGER banned from driving got behind the wheel to stop his drunken father driving home from the pub.

Burnley Magistrates heard how welder David Mark Roberts, 19, had been at home when he received a phone call saying his father was extremely drunk but was planning to get into his car.

Roberts, of Shelfield Road, Nelson, admitted driving while disqualified and not having insurance. He was given 40 hours community punishment and must pay £55 costs.

Mark Irlam, defending, said Roberts had been at home with his uncle and had had a couple of drinks.

When they got to the pub after the phone call, his father was trying to get into his vehicle and Roberts and his uncle tried to help him to his uncle's car.

Roberts, who received two blows to the head, then stupidly got into his father's car and decided to drive, as it was parked in a dangerous position.

Mr Irlam said Roberts had driven about 250 yards when he was stopped by the police.

A roadside breath test was positive He was arrested, accused of drink driving and when he got to Colne police station told officers he was banned.

The defendant gave a negative sample when he was breath tested at the police station. He realised his actions had been stupid and had to be punished.