A 60-year-old driver demolished a bus stop as he made his way home after drinking.

John Richards was found to be nearly three times the drink-drive limit, Blackburn magistrates heard.

Richards, of Spring Vale Garden Village, Darwen, admitted drink-driving and was fined £500 with £75 costs and banned for two years.

Emma Kehoe, prosec-uting, said the incident happened at 9pm on April 26 on Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn.

Richards's car came to rest in the middle of the road after causing severe damage to the bus stop.

"There was glass and debris strewn across the road which had to be closed," said Mrs Kehoe.

Ian Huggan, defending, said his client was extremely ashamed and disgusted with himself.

"His wife was away visiting family in Canada and was due back the next day," said Mr Huggan.

"He went for a drink with a friend. Unfortun-ately one drink turned into several and while he thought he was all right, in the light of what happened he clearly wasn't."