A STUDENT and floor manager who was over twice the legal limit has paid the price with a two-year driving ban.

Burnley magistrates heard Martin John Sheen, 23, did not think he had a drink problem, but had reviewed his drinking habits since the offence.

Sheen, of Kirkstall Drive, Barnoldswick, admitted driving with excess alcohol. He was also fined £100 and must pay £55 costs.

The court was told police stopped the defendant and noticed he smelled of alcohol.

A roadside breath test proved positive, he was arrested and the lower of two police station breath tests showed 74 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath -- the legal limit is 35. Sheen had no previous convictions.

Rachel Adamson, defending, said Sheen had suffered a salutory experience being put in police cells. He was very remorseful for his behaviour and bitterly regretted it.

The defendant had been out in Burnley centre and his intention had not been to have a night out but just to have a drink. The evening got extended and he was persuaded to stay longer.

He accepted he at first told police he had had a couple of pints when he had had a few.