A DRIVER who attracted the attention of plain clothes police officers on special burglary patrol was later found to be more than four times the drink drive limit.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Laurie Joseph Anthony Ashton, who gave a reading of 152 against the legal limit of 35, was a man of previous good character who had alcohol problems.

Ashton, 35, of Preston Old Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol and without insurance. The case was adjourned until April 30 for the preparation of pre-sentence reports.

Michael Blacklidge, defending, said until three year ago his client was happily married and had a good job. A long-term skin complaint had worsened and there was a delay in the diagnosis of his problem. "He now receives treatment at Christies and that difficulty led to the breakdown of his marriage, the loss of his job and becoming dependent on alcohol," said Mr Blacklidge.