A DRINK to celebrate closing a contract cost BAE Systems engineer Peter George Newman his driving licence and possibly his job.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Newman had two pints of beer with the client over lunch and then stopped for two more on his way home from work after receiving a call to say he did not have to take his daughters to Brownies.

Newman failed a breathalyser after being stopped on the Clitheroe by-pass.

Newman, 53, of Derwent Crescent, Clitheroe, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol. He was disqualified from driving for 18 months and fined £500 with £55 costs.

Newman, who gave a reading of 56 against the legal limit of 35, agreed to be referred to the drink drive rehabilitation programme which, if completed successfully, would reduce his ban by up to 25 per cent.

Basharat Ditta, defending, said Newman had worked at BAE Systems in Warton for 14 years and as part of his job was expected to meet people both in this country and in Europe.

"He hasn't told his employer about today's proceedings, preferring to wait and see what the outcome is," said Mr Ditta.

"He doesn't know where the company will stand but he knows they will take a dim view. If he gets the minimum ban, he may just keep his job."