A MAN who lost touch with the friend who was meant to be putting him up after a night out made the foolish decision to drive home.

Blackburn magistrates heard Matthew Quigley was heading back to Clitheroe but didn't get out of Darwen before he was stopped by police because of his speed.

Quigley, 28, of Curzon Street, Clitheroe, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol.

He was fined £400 with £85 costs and £40 victim surcharge.

He was banned from driving for three years after the court heard he had a previous drink drive conviction in 2013.

Quigley gave a reading of 52 against the legal limit of 35.

Gareth Price, defending, said Quigley had been out with a friend in Preston and the plan had been for him to sleep at the friend's address in Darwen.

"They became separated and he found himself alone in Darwen with nowhere to stay," said Mr Price.

"Rather foolishly he made the decision to drive home."