A MAN who went out to search for his escaped dogs in the early hours of the morning failed a breathalyser after being stopped by police.

Blackburn magistrates heard James Andrew Johnstone was concerned about his pets because the police had previously warned him about them being out on their own and told him they could be taken away from him.

Johnstone, 39, of Livingstone Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol. He was fined £369 with £36 victim surcharge and £85 costs. He was banned from driving after the magistrates were told he had previous convictions for drink driving in 2004 and 2011.

Peter Bardsley, prosecuting, said Johnstone was stopped at 1.30 am on Under Billinge Lane in June. He failed a roadside breath test but could not provide a breath sample at the police station and instead gave a blood sample. The reading was 130 against the legal limit of 80.

Richard Prew, defending, said Johnstone was stopped on Under Billinge Lane which is a remote area close to Pleasington Cemetery.

He said the fence at the rear of the defendant's home had blown down and he realised his dogs had escaped.

"He had been drinking earlier but thought he would be OK to drive and went out to look for the animals," said Mr Prew.