A MAN found passed out in a van in the early hours was more than twice the drink drive limit, a court was told.

Groundworker Matthew McCaigue, 29, was very unsteady on his feet and his speech was slurred when officers roused him. He gave a positive roadside breath test and at the police station blew 89 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres breath. The legal limit is 35.

Burnley magistrates heard how there was “no evidence at all” that the vehicle was ever driven. The defendant, of Newfield Drive, Nelson, admitted being in charge of a vehicle while unfit through drink on June 17.

He already has three points on his licence and his case was adjourned for him to argue he would face exceptional hardship if he was disqualified.

Andrew Robinson, prosecuting, said police were called to Newfield Drive at 2.39am, after reports of a van parked up with music blaring out and a man inside passed out.

An officer saw the key in the ignition and the defendant in the driver’s seat. McCaigue had a previous conviction for a similar offence in May 2003, but had not offended since 2007.

Nick Cassidy, for the defendant, said he had been drinking at his flat.

He had to smoke outside as his flatmate didn’t like him doing it inside.

The solicitor added: “He had gone outside to have a cigarette, got in the van, put the music on, wound the window down and fell asleep.”