A SUCCESSFUL business meeting turned sour for self-employed builder Stephen Griffiths when he was breathalysed on his way home.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Griffiths had since been told that he had got the work but realised that he would be losing his licence. Griffiths, 58, of Douglas Place, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol. He was disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £100 with £50 costs.

Griffiths, who gave a reading of 52 against the legal limit of 35, agreed to be referred to the drink drive rehabilitation programme which, if completed successfully, would reduce his ban by up to 25 per cent.

Elliott Taylforth, defending, said Griffiths had met his potential client in a pub and had lost track of how much he had to drink. "He told the police he had only had two pints but with hindsight he now realises he had three pints," said Mr Taylforth. "It was a foolish mistake which will cost him dear."