A man seen “staggering” near a car on the M65 services near Darwen told police he wasn’t driving anymore.

Blackburn magistrates heard CCTV footage showed Daniel Thompson driving onto the service area.

Thompson, 46, of Meadow Close, Longridge, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol.

He was fined £350 with a £140 victim surcharge and £85 costs. He was banned from driving for 20 months.

Graeme Tindall, prosecuting, said when police responded to the report of the defendant’s behaviour, they wanted to do a roadside breath test but he didn’t co-operate, saying he wasn’t driving anymore.

He was arrested and at the police station gave a breathalyser reading of 80mcg per 100ml of breath against the legal limit of 35.

Richard Prew, defending, said his client had been to a friend’s house for a drink but felt uncomfortable and decided to drive home.

“He had a blow-out on the motorway and drove onto the services,” said Mr Prew.

“There is CCTV footage which shows him driving into the service area.”