A DRINK-driver almost four times the limit told Burnley magistrates he had been stupid and was ashamed.

The court was told how Philip Cregg, 44, smashed into a roundabout at the end of the M65 and was then spotted staggering across the carriageway on to the footpath.

He was asked by police if the crashed car was his and replied: "Yes, I'm afraid it is."

The defendant later gave a breath test showing 121 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 mililitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Cregg, of Basnett Street, Burnley, admitted drink driving and failing to stop following the incident on December 8.

He was given a community order with 150 hours unpaid work, was banned from driving for 33 months and must pay £75 costs.

The defendant, a keen caver, told the bench: "I would just like to say I am terribly ashamed of myself and I have learned from it."

He had no previous convictions.

Dylan Bradshaw, defending, said he had no hesitation in describing Cregg as a thoroughly decent individual who was politeness and courtesy personified.

He had led a very constructive life, but sadly because of certain personal circumstances such as work pressure and relationship problems, he had escaped in drink, Mr Bradshaw said.

The solicitor said: "When he says he is very sorry and regrets his actions I think you can accept that."