A DRINK driver would have to swap his car for his bike after clocking up his second conviction in six years, a court heard.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Garth Windle, 24, a polisher, was injured after he smashed into a wall in the early hours, but was glad he had only hurt himself.

Windle, of Federation Street, Barnoldswick, admitted driving with excess alcohol on May 30 and was given a 12 months community rehabilitation order. He was also banned for three years and must pay £75 costs.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said police found a large hole in a wall on Skipton Road, Foulridge. Rubble was scattered around and they could see a car further down the road.

The car was damaged and was half in the road and half on the pavement. The defendant was with the vehicle and was bleeding from a cut to the right hand side of his forehead. He said he was OK and when asked if he had been at the wheel of the car said he had.

Windle agreed he had been responsible for the collision and said the vehicle was his father's.

Officers smelled drink on his breath and the defendant was asked how much he had had to drink

Mr Robinson said Windle claimed he had had a couple in Manchester before he set off and gave a positive breath test.

Windle was taken to the police station where the lowest of two tests showed 140 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. The legal limit is 80.

Rachel Adamson, defending, said Windle very much regretted what he did and was thankful he did not injure anybody else but himself.