A MAN who called the police after crashing his car in the early hours of New Year's Day was "shocked" when he failed a breathalyser.

Blackburn magistrates heard Brandon John Blackmore had drunk four cans of cider before going to sleep on a friend's sofa and when he went to pick up another friend at about 3 am thought he would be fine to drive.

Blackmore, 22, of Earcroft Way, Darwen, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol. He was fined £133 with £85 costs and £32 victim surcharge and banned from driving for 12 months. He gave a reading of 59 against the legal limit of 35.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Blackmore had contacted the police because he was concerned his car, which had skidded as he negotiated a roundabout, was causing an obstruction.

"We deal with a lot of people who would have made off from the scene in the same circumstances," said Miss Allan. "This defendant actually contacted the police and he should be given credit for that."

Simon Farnsworth, defending, said the fact his client called the police backed up his belief that he wasn't over the limit and was OK to drive.

"He was shocked that he was over the limit having only drunk four cans of fruit cider on New Year's Eve and then having been asleep," said Mr Farnsworth.