A DRINK-DRIVER collided with a police car as he drove home from the pub after drinking at least seven pints.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Lee Finch then drove off at speed and during a brief chase went through a red light.

Finch, 25, of Thorncliffe Drive, Darwen, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving with excess alcohol.

He was ordered to do 200 hours community punishment and disqualified from driving for three years.

John Dewhurst, defending, said Finch had been to a pub bonfire with his partner and their children.

She walked home but he stayed drinking with friends and they eventually decided to go on to a club.

"He foolishly decided to drive and what happened after amounted to five minutes of madness," said Mr Dewhurst.

As he was driving down Sough Road, Finch failed to give way at a point were the road narrowed and his wing mirror clipped a vehicle coming in the opposite direction.

"When his passenger said he had just hit a police car he panicked," said Mr Dewhurst.

Finch raced off at speeds of up to 60mph down Redearth Road, turning on to Sainsbury's car park and then through red lights before going on to Bolton Road. He abandoned his car further down the road.