A MAN who got behind the wheel after drinking because of a medical emergency claimed the actions of the police backed up his story.

Mirza Baig, 50, of Blackthorn Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty at the town’s magistrates to driving with excess alcohol in a silver Honda Jazz on April 25.

Damien Pickup, defending, asked the magistrates to adjourn the case so he could put forward special reasons why his client should not be disqualified.

Mr Pickup said Baig had been drinking with friends when one of them, who had a heart condition, became ill and said he needed his medication.

“He asked my client to drive him home and went as far as giving him the key so he could run into the house and get the medication,” said Mr Pickup.

Baig was stopped by the police on the way to the house and after failing a roadside breathalyser was arrested and taken to Greenbank Police Station.

Mr Pickup said the friend then contacted the emergency services and explained the situation, including the fact that Baig had the key to his house.

“The police approached my client at Greenbank Police Station and asked him if he had the key,” said Mr Pickup.

“He handed it over and the police then took his friend to his house to collect his medication.”

A special reasons argument for the magistrates not to ban Baig will be heard on August 1.