A self-employed electrician who put his car in a ditch after stopping off for a drink was found to be nearly three times the legal drink drive llimit.

Blackburn magistrates heard Craig Ryan was "acutely aware" he had put his future and his family's future in jeopardy.

"He is deeply ashamed of that," said Graeme Parkinson, defending.

Ryan, 41, of Church Street, Slaidburn, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol. He was banned from driving for 24 months and fined £580 with £143 costs.