A drink-driver said to have shot past police on the motorway should not have been drinking alcohol at all because of a liver complaint, a court was told.

New dad Alexander Fleming, 45, had not touched a drop in seven months but went out and had "a couple of drinks".

He was later found to be more then twice the limit and had clocked up his second drink-drive conviction, Burnley Magistrates heard.

Fleming, of Moorhead Street, Colne, admitted driving with excess alcohol on November 29.

He was given a four-week curfew, seven days a week, between 7pm and 7am, after the bench told him there had been a high risk of harm to the public. He was also banned for three years and must pay £50 costs.

Andrew Robinson, prosecuting, told the court about 9.15pm police were travelling at about 70mph on the M65 and were surprised to see the defendant going past them at about 90mph.

They followed him to his home where he was asked if it was normal to overtake a police car at 90mph. His reply was "yes" and Fleming then smirked.

Mr Robinson said the defendant's breath smelled of alcohol and he gave a positive roadside breath test.

He became aggressive and started struggling after being told he was under arrest.

At the station, he gave two samples and the lowest revealed he was more than twice over the limit.

Nick Dearing, defending, said Fleming's partner gave birth about three months ago and about the same time he was diagnosed with a serious liver illness. He was receiving extensive medical treatment and was off work sick.

He had not had any alcohol for about seven months and had been told he should not drink while having treatment.

Mr Dearing said: "He had been very good for some time and went out and had what he says was a couple of drinks."

The defendant did not accept he passed the police car at 90mph or that he smirked. He co-operated with police.

Mr Dearing said Fleming, who needed to get himself to hospital for treatment, was already struggling financially.

He added: "He recognises he is in this position through his own fault and doesn't seek to say he deserves anything other than a reasonable opportunity."