A DRINK driver, out of work for three months, was due to start a new job 24 hours later.

Burnley magistrates heard how plumber Stuart Mitchell, 34, had picked up his works' van not long before and had had to take it back and face the loss of his work before it even started.

Mitchell, of Barden Lane, Burnley, who has no previous convictions, was disqualified from driving for 18 months, fined £100 and must pay £40 costs, after admitting driving with excess alcohol.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said police stopped Mitchell in the early hours because his car wing mirrors were folded back. He could not stand up straight, his eyes were glazed and a breath test proved positive.

The lower of two police station breath teasts showed 76 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Chris Wyatt, defending, said Mitchell had gone to a party, parked his car and intended to walk home. At the gathering, he became involved in a dispute and was threatened with violence.

He decided to go home and was told if he could not be sorted out at the party his car would be vandalised. He, unfortunately, got into his car and drove off. When police approached he volunteered he had had a drink and co-operated. He apologised for what he had done.

After three months out of work, Mitchell had managed to get a job to start on Monday. He had picked up the van on Saturday, but had never had a chance to use it or earn a wage.

His employers had said Mitchell would not be able to do his job if he lost his licence, so he would be "returning to the ranks of the unemployed."

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