A DISQUALIFIED driver caught behind the wheel when he was more than four times the legal drink drive limit has been jailed for six months.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Stephen Farrell claimed to have been test driving the car for his son when he was seen driving in Queens Park Road.

And the magistrates imposed a custodial sentence, despite hearing that Farrell was the sole carer for the three children of his former partner, who had died suddenly in May 2002.

Farrell, 42, of Tarbert Crescent, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified, with excess alcohol and without insurance. As well as the prison sentence he was disqualified for three years.

Liz Parker, defending, said Farrell had a problem with drink which he had already taken steps to address.