A DRINK-driver was almost four times over the limit the afternoon after the night before, a court was told.

Burnley magistrates heard how Nigel Anthony Sutcliffe, 43, told police he had not had a drink that day.

Prosecutor Andrew Robinson told the magistrates Sutcliffe's alcohol level must have been astronomical when he went to bed.

Sutcliffe, of Halifax Road, Brierfield, admitted driving with excess alcohol, on February 16. He was given 12 months supervision with the drink impaired drivers' programme, was banned for three years and must pay £50 costs.

Mr Robinson said Sutcliffe was stopped at 1pm on a routine traffic enquiry and police noticed his breath smelled of drink. The defendant responded slowly to questions and seemed to find the whole situation funny.

He was arrested and taken to the police station, where a test revealed 132 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath the legal limit is 35.

John Nuttall, defending, said Sutcliffe found nothing funny about the case and it had been traumatic for him. He was unable to get a job and had alcohol and medical problems.

The defendant acted out of ignorance. He believed he would be all right to drive because a number of hours had passed since he had had a drink.