A DRINK driver who disappeared after being caught out by police struck again two years later -- and was stopped by the same officer.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Barry Houghton had been using a different surname because he feared for his life after events in the past.

Houghton, also known as Kavanagh, admitted driving with excess alcohol, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, not having insurance and no test certificate, all on April 1 2000.

The defendant, 65, of Perth Street, Burnley, also pleaded guilty to three document offences and resisting a police officer on September 1 this year and excess alcohol and no insurance on October 19.

Houghton, who had committed the last batch of offences while pre-sentence reports were being prepared, was given 200 hours community punishment , banned for three years and must pay £70 costs.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said the defendant originally gave the name Kavanagh and the court proceedings were adjourned for him to produce his driving documents.

He was then not heard of for two years and a warrant was outstanding in the name of Kavanagh.

In September he was stopped driving by police and gave the name Houghton. He produced an ID card in the name Kavanagh, officers found there was a warrant out and arrested him.

Mr Robinson said his case was put back for reports on October 15 and days later he was stopped by the same officer who stopped him two years before.

He gave a breath test reading of 60 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 mililitres of breath - the legal limit is 35.

Rachel Adamson, defending, said Houghton had been trying to hide for some years from things which happened in the past. He did not have a drink problem and was able to do a community penalty.