A MOTORCYCLIST over the limit had gone to get glass cutters after his girlfriend had punched their door and two window frames fell out.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Neil Southworth, 39, and his partner had been rowing before she cut her arm open and had to go to hospital.

Southworth, of Lord Street, Colne, who was almost twice the limit, admitted driving with excess alcohol. He was fined £80, with £40 costs and banned for 18 months.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said the defendant was stopped for a routine check by police on Bank Holiday Monday. It was noticed he smelled of drink, he gave a positive roadside breath test and tests showed 65 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 mililitres of breath - the legal limit is 35.

Mark Irlam, defending, said Southworth had been to the Colne Blues Festival the night before and had between 10 and 12 cans of very stong lager between 8pm and 4am.

When he and his girlfriend arrived home, they rowed and she left home just after lunchtime that day. In the afternoon, Southworth had another can of cider and more cans at teatime, topping up on the alcohol in his system.

Mr Irlam said the defendant's girlfriend returned, started hitting and damaging the door and two window frames fell out. Police were called and she was put in an ambulance.

Southworth realised the property was not secure and very stupidly drove to his friend's house, past the police station. If he had known he was over the limit, he would have got a taxi. Southworth, who had had a driving licence for 22 years was going to get a glass cutter to mend the door.