AN over-the-limit Burnley teenager who smashed his car in the early hours has been fined and banned from driving.

Burnley magistrates heard how student Alex Cheetham, 18, had written off the vehicle which was only insured third party.

Cheetham was tested and gave a reading of 85 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 mililitres of breath the legal limit is 35.

The defendant, of Pendle Way admitted driving with excess alcohol on July 8.

He was banned for 20 months, fined £150 and must pay £45 costs.

Sophie Lorimer, prosecuting, told the court police went to reports of an accident about 1.30am. They found a car in the middle of the road and it appeared to have hit a parked vehicle.

Cheetham was at the scene and said it was his car. He was asked what happened and replied: "I can't believe it. I can't believe I crashed it."

Mrs Lorimer said Cheetham was clearly under the influence of alcohol and a roadside breath test proved positive. He said he had had his last drink ages ago. The defendant had no previous convictions.

Nick Dearing, defending, said Cheetham, who was at Burnley College, had broken up with his girlfriend of three years and was very upset. He made a foolish decision to drive after drinking.