PROVISIONAL licence-holder John Vickers was three times the legal drink drive limit when he was stopped by police and breathalysed.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Vickers, 45, was on his way to collect his son who had said he had been subject to bullying and was fearful there might be a repetition.

Vickers, of Blackburn Road, Darwen, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol and other than in accordance with a licence. He was disqualified from driving for 30 months and fined £250 with £55 costs.

Vickers, who gave a reading of 104 against the legal limit of 35, agreed to be referred to the drink driver rehabilitation programme which, if completed successfully, could reduce his ban by up to 25 per cent.

Wendy Shackleton, prosecuting, said a police officer noticed Vickers struggle to complete what should have been an easy manoeuvre.

Richard Prew, defending, said Vickers was extremely embarrassed to be before the court. He said Vickers' 16-year-old son, who had been subject to some bullying, had phoned fearful there was going to be a repeat.

"He knew he had been drinking but he felt the only thing he could do was to go and get his son," said Mr Prew.