A 58-YEAR-OLD man arrested by police for drink driving told police: "I just want to die," a court heard.

Blackburn magistrates were told how Barry Farthing had never been in trouble with the police until a drink driving conviction in August.

But that court appearance set in motion a chain of events which cost Farthing his job, his home and his wife.

Now Farthing, formerly of Florence Street, Blackburn, but now living at the Police Street Hostel, in Darwen, could be facing jail after chalking up his second drink driving offence.

The former worker at Express Gifts, Accrington, pleaded guilty at Blackburn Magistrates' Court to driving with excess alcohol and while disqualified. The case was adjourned for pre-sentence reports.

Neil White, prosecuting, said Farthing was a man of good character until August when he was convicted of driving with excess alcohol and banned from driving for two years. There is also an offence of being drunk in charge of a car for which he still has to be sentenced.

Mr White added: "When he was arrested by the police he said 'I just want to die' and clearly he is a man with problems."

Mr White said police had been called to a petrol station on Cravens Brow where Farthing was arguing with a female member of staff. She had tried to take his car keys because he was clearly drunk when he drove onto the forecourt.

"The police described a man who was not just over the limit but showing physical signs of being drunk," said Mr White. Farthing subsequently gave a reading of 95 against the legal limit of 35.

Stephen Parker, defending, said the first offence of being drunk in charge had put a strain on the marriage and Mrs Farthing had gone to stay with her mother.

"She was shocked by his behaviour," said Mr Parker. "She didn't think he was the kind of person to commit any offence let alone one of this nature. She needed time to think."

Mr Parker said that during that period Mrs Farthing returned to the family home and discovered evidence that led her to believe Farthing had been unfaithful to her.

"The combination of events seem to have destroyed the marriage. She has indicated that she wants a divorce.

"He has gone on a downward spiral and has sought solace in alcohol. He finds himself living in what can only be described as a doss house and I hope you can have some sympathy for him."

Speaking outside the court, Farthing said he had only himself to blame for his desperate plight.

"It's all my fault. My wife couldn't take any more and now she wants a divorce," he said. "I can't blame her for that, it's my fault I have lost her. I did a silly thing.

"I used to have a nice home, a job and a lovely wife and now I am living in a doss house and don't know where my life is going. I have been so silly," he added.