A DRINK-driver was caught out after he decided to visit his girlfriend in hospital at 1.30am, a court was told.

Burnley Magistrates heard how telesales rep Simon Daniel Smith, 37, had a previous conviction for being over the limit.

Smith, care of Whitefield Terrace, Burnley, admitted driving with excess alcohol and using an uninsured vehicle. He was fined £350, with £50 costs and was banned for three years.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, told the court police stopped the defendant on Church Street, Burnley, at 1.30am.

When they spoke to him Smith admitted drinking alcohol.

A roadside breath test proved positive and the lower of two police station tests showed 70 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 mililitres of breath - the legal limit is 35.

Duncan Nightingale, defending, said Smith, who worked at Great Universal Stores, fully complied with police. He knew he would be banned for three years.