A DRINK-driver, who smashed into a car carrying a sleeping five-year-old girl in an early hours crash, has kept his freedom.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Ivan Flanagan, 34, had overtaken two cars on a twisting country road.

He almost hit a police car head on, before he struck the vehicle carrying the little girl, her mother and three other adults.

Flanagan then drove off but was found because a taxi driver he had earlier been caused to break sharply had noted his number and handed it to police.

Officers went to his home and a breath test proved he was over the limit.

Sentencing, Recorder Stephen Davies said Flanagan had been at the wheel of a "dangerous weapon," and had made a series of extremely bad decisions.

It was only because the police driver was skilled and able to take evasive action that he did not collide with the officers' vehicle.

The judge told the defendant, he was very lucky nobody was injured.

He said his conduct had been disgraceful and he may well have got away with it but for the actions of the taxi driver Peter Bennett.

Recorder Davies added that he believed Flanagan had learned a lesson from what happened and the public would understand if he took a course which allowed the defendant to deal with his problems.

Flanagan, of Booth Road, Stacksteads, admitted dangerous driving on Bacup Road, Burnley, on March 14 and driving with excess alcohol.

He was given a two year community rehabilitation order to include the Drink Impaired Drivers' Programme, must pay £750 compensation, was banned for three years and was ordered to take an extended re-test.

Amanda Johnson, for Flanagan, said he was appalled by what he did and at the danger he put other road users in.

She said he was extremely remorseful for his actions.