AN over-the-limit driver who was banned after a police chase and crash has won his licence back early so he can be promoted.

Darren Horsham, 29, previously known as Hargreaves, had been ordered off the road for three years in April 2005, after he smashed into a wall whilse almost twice the limit.

He asked a judge to let him back behind the wheel as he was in line for promotion and needed his licence.

Horsham, an account manager at Weblink, told Burnley Crown Court he had learned his lesson and had not been intending to ask for a reduction in the disqualification until his bosses offered him the better job.

Recorder Philip Butler told Horsham, of Lancaster Drive, Padiham, he would lift the ban - but the defendant would still not be allowed behind the wheel alone until he had passed an extended retest.

The court heard Horsham had earlier admitted dangerous driving and excess alcohol. He had been going at more than 50mph at 1am, had been followed by the police and smashed into a wall. He told officers he could not remember the pursuit.

Horsham had been sentenced to intermittent custody for the offence.

He told the court he worked over the telephone but his new position would mean him going out on the road.