A THIEF who got behind the wheel of a stolen van while drunk, banned and uninsured was told he could have killed someone.

Burnley magistrates had heard how aloholic ex-chef William Bridge, 30, was three times the limit when he took the van from a service station and ended up hitting a wall as police tried to stop him.

The defendant, a former mechanic involved in designing and building racing engines, was banned from going in any vehicle, other than as a fee paying passenger, while he awaits sentence.

Bridge, of Edgeside Lane, Waterfoot, had admitted aggravated vehicle taking, driving with excess alcohol, driving while disqualified and no insurance.

He was bailed until January 18, for a pre-sentence report, and was told by the justices, who said he could have killed someone, he was facing a high community penalty or custody.

Sophie Lorimer, prosecuting, told the court police officers found a can of lager, a fifth full, in the vehicle.

Philip Turner, defending, said Bridge's drink problem got him into trouble. He realised a few years ago he couldn't work around vehicles anymore.

Mr Turner continued:"He very quickly realised just how stupid he had been."