A PE teacher has admitted driving while three times the drink-drive limit — but has returned to his job following the court case.

Jonathan McGrath, 28, head of boys’ PE at Darwen Vale High School, crashed his car into a taxi, and was then involved in an altercation with the driver who tried to seize his keys.

But bosses said McGrath was a 'valued member of staff with a previously impeccable record who showed genuine remorse'.

And the other driver said he did not want to see McGrath lose his job.

The teacher was banned from driving for two years and ordered to undertake 180 hours' community service after the incident near Chorley in March.

McGrath, of Weavers Court, Buckshaw Village, initially faced assault charges after taxi driver Rob Willis claimed he had sustained two black eyes and bruising to his face during the scuffle.

At Preston Crown Court, McGrath pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of a section four public order offence and driving with excess alcohol.

His victim, Yellow Cabs driver Rob Willis, from Adlington, tried to confiscate McGrath’s keys until police arrived after the minor collision.

Speaking after the hearing, Mr Willis said although he had been deeply affected by the incident, he did not want McGrath to lose his job.

He said: “I feel vindicated that he has admitted what he did and has pleaded guilty to the offences.

“But I have never received an apology from him for what he did. I now want to put this behind me.”

McGrath was ordered by Judge Philip Butler to pay Mr Willis £500 compensation and the court £125 costs.

After the case, a spokesman for Darwen Vale High School said McGrath was suspended after the incident and had now returned to school, although governors are to meet to discuss the case.

He added: "We note that the judge commented in court that he hoped Mr McGrath would remain in his employment due to his previous impeccable record, good character and the genuine remorse.

“Mr McGrath is a valued member of staff at the school and is held in high regard both by those he teaches and those who work with him.”