A TEENAGER who made a split-second decision to drive after drinking would suffer the consequences for much longer than most.

Blackburn magistrates heard that soldier David Livesey Catley would be punished by his regiment as well as the courts.

And defence solicitor Andrew Church-Taylor said Catley, who is a driver in the army, felt he had let his fellow soldiers down on the eve of a tour of duty in Iraq.

Catley, 19, of Hazel Grove, Accrington, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol.

He was fined £250 with £60 costs and disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Emma Keogh, prosecuting, said police called to Park Farm Road in Blackburn found a car in the front gardens of two houses.

They spoke to Catley who immediately admitted he had been the driver.

Mr Church-Taylor said Catley had been intending to walk to his girlfriend's house after drinking with a friend.

"The offence will be on his army record and affect his career prospects," said Mr Church-Taylor.

"The split second decision to drive will have long-term consequences for this man."