A DRIVER being followed by police shot a red light and then mounted the pavement.

Blackburn magistrates heard Lee Harrison was driving home from the Woodlands Festival after receiving a distressed call from his partner and didn't realise he would be over the limit.

Harrison, 28, of Collins Road North, Bamber Bridge, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol without insurance and other than in accordance with a licence. He was fined £500 with £85 costs and £50 victim surcharge and banned from driving for 20 months.

The court heard Harris was driving along Wainwright Way when an officer saw him go through the red light. He gave a breathalyser reading of 81 against the legal limit of 35.

Ben Leach, defending, said Harris had gone to the music festival with friends and was not meant to be driving at all. He received the call from his partner and borrowed his fiend's car.

"He didn't think he would be over the limit," said Mr Leach.