MISINFORMATION from his mechanic saved a man from a driving ban.

Blackburn magistrates heard Ronald Martin went to move the van after being told it was working but it wouldn't start.

Police found him in the car trying to get it going and eventually charged him with being in charge of a motor vehicle while over the alcohol limit and not drink driving.

Martin, 49, of St Paul's Court, Oswaldtwistle, pleaded guilty to the offence. He was fined £80 with £85 costs and £34 victim surcharge and his licence endorsed with 10 penalty points.

Jade Coleman, prosecuting, said officers attended to a report of a broken down vehicle causing an obstruction in Market Street, Accrington.

Martin was sitting in the car trying to start it and the officers could smell alcohol. A breath test later gave a reading of more than double the legal limit.

Colleen Dickinson-Jones, defending, said the car had broken down and her client was waiting for contact from the mechanic.

He had been to a party the night before and had a couple of pints at dinner time.

"He didn't believe he would be over the limit at 6.15 pm," said Mrs Dickinson-Jones.

"Because he is charged with being in charge rather than driving, you can endorse his licence with 10 points rather than disqualify him."