AN assistant green-keeper got behind the wheel over the limit after his then girlfriend told him she had been pregnant but had had an abortion.

Christopher Dunkley, 25, who had not intended to drive, was devastated by the news and just wanted to go home.

But he smashed into a road sign and police found him in his damaged car further along the road, Burnley magistrates heard.

The defendant, of Keighley Road, Colne, admitted drink-driving on November 25 and was fined £200 with a £15 victim surcharge, and banned for 20 months.

Wendy Chappell, prosecuting, said police had seen the defendant staggering across the car park opposite the Craven Heiffer, Colne Road, Kelbrook at 2am.

They later saw a large road sign had been knocked over. The defendant was parked about 100 yards away.

Glen Smith, defending, said his then girlfriend had had a termination without him knowing.