A MAN found asleep at the wheel of his car with a pint glass in his hand later gave a breathalyser more than three times the legal limit.

Blackburn magistrates heard as a result of his arrest Lawrence Chirenje missed his daughter's birthday party.

And he told the magistrates that had already cost him his 23-year marriage.

Chirenje, 45, of Kingwood Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol. He was made subject to a community order for 18 months with a condition he attends the drink impaired driver course and completes 10 days rehabilitation activity requirement.

He was fined £100 with £200 costs and £85 victim surcharge. He was banned from driving for three years after the magistrates were told he had previous convictions for drink driving in 2014 and failing to provide a sample in 2010.

Hilary Reece, prosecuting, said police were called to the Asda car park at 5.15pm after staff reported a man asleep behind the wheel of his car with a pint glass containing beer in his hand.

A female customer, concerned about his condition, had removed the car keys without waking Chirenje and officers also had trouble rousing him.

"When they did manage to rouse him he was clearly drunk," said Mrs Reece.

She said Chirenje claimed he had no intention of driving and that he had been drinking after he had parked the car.

But CCTV footage showed another car parked in the spot at 4.50 pm and Chirenje's vehicle was there at 5 pm.

Chirenje gave a roadside breathalyser reading of 122 and a police station reading of 110 against the legal limit of 35.

Chirenje, who was not represented, said he was a hard working, family man who was currently studying for a masters degree in mental health.

He said on the day of the incident he was meant to get some presents for his daughter's birthday.

"I was not able to be there with my daughter on that day and that has lead to the break down of my marriage," he said.