AN ANGLER failed a breathalyser on his way home from an all-night session.

Blackburn magistrates heard John Nicholls got caught up in a motorway road block and fell asleep in his car.

He was pointed out to police by another motorist and was followed for three miles before he stopped.

Nicholls, 34, of Moss Hall Road, Accrington, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol. He was fined £450 with £85 costs and £45 victim surcharge and banned from driving for 12 months. Nicholls gave a reading of 51 against the legal limit of 35.

Gareth Price, defending, said while he was fishing Nicholls had watched a boxing event from Las Vegas.

"He had a few drinks while he was watching the boxing but thought he had left it long enough for the alcohol to be out of his system before he set off to drive home," said Mr Price.

"The motorway was closed because of an incident and he was sat in his car for two hours. He had the heater on and accepts he fell asleep."

Mr Price said his client was employed driving plant and machinery around the North West and he was not sure if he would lose his job.