A GREAT HARWOOD business manager caught more than twice the drink-drive limit did not realise how alcohol could be 'topped-up' in the system, a court has heard.

Burnley magistrates heard how Mark Pollard, 40, had been out drinking the two nights before he was arrested by police.

He had put his new job in jeopardy and faced a weekly £100 bill for transport to work.

Pollard, formerly of Fife Street, Barrowford, but now of Parker Terrace, Gisburn, admitted driving with excess alcohol. He was banned for 18 months, fined £300 and ordered to pay £55 costs.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said police saw the defendant driving along Gisburn Road, Barrowford. When Pollard stopped, officers noticed his breath smelled of drink. A roadside breath test proved positive and when the defendant was taken to the police station, he gave a test reading of 77 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath -- the legal limit is 35.

Rachel Adamson, defending, said Pollard had no idea he was over the limit. Last Friday evening, he had been drinking at a wedding and on Saturday he had been drinking with friends. He did not realise the topping-up effect.

The defendant had come through a divorce and looked after his children at the weekends. He had a very good job, but it had been put in jeopardy because of the offence.