A driver who made a late-night trip to the shops cut a corner at speed and narrowly missed a police car.

Blackburn magistrates heard the officer stopped Razvan Moca and could smell alcohol.

Moca, 43, of Shorrock Lane, Blackburn, admitted to driving with excess alcohol. He was given a 12-month community order with 100 hours unpaid work and £105 costs.

He was banned for 36 months after the court heard he had a previous drink-drive conviction in the past 10 years.

Glenn Anderton, prosecuting, said the officer was on mobile patrol at 12.30am on Mill Hill Bridge Street.

“His attention was drawn to the defendant’s vehicle because it cut a corner at speed and narrowly missed the officer’s car,” said Mr Anderton.

Gareth Price, defending, said his client had been at home having a drink when he realised he needed some provisions for breakfast the following day.

“Clearly he should have waited until the morning,” said Mr Price.