A driver who was involved in two collisions was found to be more than four times the legal drink drive limit, a court has heard.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court was told how when police got James Clift out of his car they had to hold him up he was that drunk.

Clift, 47, of Roman Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol and without insurance.

He was sentenced to eight weeks in prison, suspended for a year, with a nine month alcohol treatment requirement and 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement.

He was banned from driving for three years and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £154 victim surcharge.

Jackie Partington, prosecuting, said police were initially asked to attend a collision in Market Street, Blackburn.

When they arrived the vehicle involved had been driven off but five minutes later was involved in another crash in Accrington Road.

When police arrived Clift was being supported by members of the public and he had a cut to his chin.

“The cut was nothing to do with the collision but was caused when he fell over as he got out of his car,” said Miss Partington.

“An officer had to hold him up and he was described as completely incoherent,” said Miss Partington.

Robin Phoenix, mitigating, said his client had never been in trouble in his life.

Mr Phoenix said Clift is a former soldier who served in Afghanistan in the Royal Army Medical Corps, and then worked as a paramedic.

Mr Phoenix said his client suffered from post traumatic stress disorder as a result of his service.

“Before I started this job I spent 13 years as a police officer,” said Mr Phoenix.

“I saw some horrendous things in my time but compared to what this man has seen it doesn’t even get on the score sheet.”

He said following his time as a paramedic Clift had set up his own business but that didn’t go well and he was eventually made bankrupt.

“His marriage failed and he lost his house and now lives courtesy of a military charity,” said Mr Phoenix.

“He is receiving assistance in relation to his PTSD and is also working with Inspire, the drink and drugs agency.”