A RELIEF lorry driver has put paid to his chances of being behind the wheel full-time after being found twice the drink drive limit.

Burnley Magistrates heard how the employers of Stephen James Fletcher, 43, were going to put him in for the HGV Class One test, but he would now lose that chance.

The defendant, of Cherry Crescent, Rawtenstall, admitted driving with excess alcohol. He was fined £130, with £55 costs and banned for a year.

Fletcher had no previous convictions.

Philip Turner, defending, said Fletcher had arranged to spend Saturday evening in Nelson and the plan was to get a taxi home and collect the car the next day.

He then decided he would drive back home.

The defendant had not had an inordinate amount to drink and spread them out over six hours. Fletcher had his last drink at 2am and, by the time he set off at 3.30am, he felt alright.

Mr Turner said the defendant knew he was being followed by police and clipped the kerb when looking at the police car in his mirror.

He would suffer from being disqualified. Fletcher worked for Nightfreight in the loading bay, but was also a relief HGV driver.