A man who had been out drinking made a "huge mistake" when he decided to drive home.

Blackburn magistrates heard Gareth Carter had already been told by his wife that if he came home in the car she would call the police.

Carter, 43, of Rannoch Drive, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol. He was fined £1,153 with £461 victim surcharge and £85 costs and banned for 23 months.

Julia Draper, prosecuting, said police were contacted by the defendant's partner just after midnight. She said he had turned up in his car and was heavily intoxicated. He gave a roadside reading of 117 against the legal limit of 35 and a police station reading of 110.

William Staunton, defending, said his client had phoned his wife and said he had been drinking and she warned him that if he drove home she would call the police.

"This was a falling down day for him," said Mr Staunton. "He is a good man who has done something totally out of character. He couldn't get a taxi and knows he should have walked home. He has made a huge mistake and he will have to live with it."