The DRIVER of a car "abandoned" in the middle of the road in the early hours had fixated eyes and answered all police questions with his name.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Jason Stuart Cawtherley, 36, gave a negative breath test but blood tests later showed high levels of amphetamine and cannabis derivatives.

He had continually used cars without insurance over eight months. The defendant had had a problem with drugs since he was about 15 and at 35 realised it was time to stop, the court was told.

Cawtherley, of Anglesey Avenue, Burnley, admitted driving while unfit through drugs, and possessing amphetamine on December 20 2004 and allegations of no insurance.

He was given a 12 month drug treatment and testing order, banned for 24 months, fined £25 and must pay £390 costs.

Cathy Allen, prosecuting, told the court police attended reports of a vehicle in the middle of the road.

The engine was running, the lights were on and music was blaring out.

An officer shook the defendant and when he was asked if he knew where he was, Cawtherley replied: "Here."

He then answered all other questions with his name.

Miss Allen said officers believed he was under the influence of drugs and amphetamine was found in a Kinder egg in his pocket.

When he was interviewed, Cawtherley said he had been to a friend's, had closed his eyes for five minutes and had not wanted to get out of the vehicle as it was freezing.

Cawtherley told police he had taken methadone and speed but thought he was fit to drive.

The defendant had 80 previous convictions - many for driving-related offences.

David Lawson, defending, said if Cawtherley went to prison for a short time it would not address his long term issues.

He had had a problem with drugs since he was 15 but he was anxious to change and wanted to stop. The defendant was working on a voluntary basis with the community drugs team and was on a methadone reducing programme, he added.