AN upholsterer who was almost three times over the drink drive limit pulled out in front of a police car forcing the officer to break hard, a court was told.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Stephen Eaton, 36, drove on the wrong side of the road and pulled up sharply when he spotted speed cameras.

Eaton, of St Cuthbert Street, Burnley, admitted driving with excess alcohol.

The defendant, who had no previous convictions, was bailed to await sentence next Monday and was given an interim driving ban.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said the defendant caused the officer to break hard when he pulled out of a junction at Briercliffe. The officer followed him and saw him accelerate to 50mph.

The officer spoke to the defendant after he stopped and noticed that his speech was extremely slurred and he was very unsteady on his feet but co-operated fully.

The lower of two breath tests showed 101 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath - the legal limit is 35.

Alfred Rebello, defending, said Eaton had been in a relationship for 15 years but more recently it had been rocky.

Mr Rebello said the defendant felt fine to drive. He maintained when he pulled out no other car was coming and that he did not drive at excessive speed.