A SUSPECTED drink-driver stopped by police tried to run off but couldn't because of the state he was in, a court heard.

Burnley Magistrates were told how father-of-two Gary Mark Wimbles, 29, who was a banned driver, struggled with officers but was arrested. He was aggressive and violent in the custody office and refused to give a breath test.

Wimbles, of Granville Street, Colne, admitted failing to provide a specimen for analysis, driving while disqualified and using an uninsured vehicle.

He was given a 12-month community rehabilitation order, to include the Addressing Substance Related Offending programme and banned from driving for three years.

Philippa White, prosecuting, said police received information of a drink driver, and caught up with the defendant in Netherfield Road, Nelson. Officers stopped him in Southfield Street. After his arrest Wimbles refused to give a breath test. The defendant had been banned for two years for driving with excess alcohol.

Mark Irlam, defending, said Wimbles needed help rather than punishment. He was dependent on alcohol, had had a drug habit in the past and had an "addictive personality."