A CIVIL engineer caught almost three times the legal drink-drive limit claimed he was upset over spending the first Christmas without his four children.

Burnley Magistrates' Court heard how Alan Ruane had "hit rock bottom" after his 15 year marriage had broken down and he had spent the festive season alone.

He finally saw his youngsters after Christmas and when they went home he went to see a friend and ended up having a drink.

Ruane, 32, of Berwick Drive, Burnley, admitted driving with excess alcohol. He was fined £900, banned for 28 months and told to pay £55 costs.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said Ruane measured in the lower of two breath tests 104 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath - the legal limit is 35.

Rachel Adamson, defending, said Ruane had no previous convictions. The breakdown of his marriage had been a very difficult time for him.

He had been depressed about not being allowed to see his children over Christmas. Ruane had had to move away from family and friends and had been alone.

After he was finally allowed to have his children for two days, he was upset he would not see them again for at least a fortnight. He went to see a friend at the Malt Shovel and did not intend to have much to drink or to drink at all.