A TECHNICIAN found to be over twice the legal limit got behind the wheel because of "unusual" domestic circumstances.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Michael Coombe, 53, abused police and had to be handcuffed.

Coombe, of Wroxham Close, Burnley, admitted being in charge of a vehicle with excess alcohol. He was banned from driving for two years, fined £200 and must pay £69 costs.

Philippa White, prosecuting, said police received information a driver may be drunk, saw the vehicle on Briercliffe Road, Burnley, and followed it to Wroxham Close where it parked outside a house.

The driver appeared unsteady on his feet, his eyes were glazed,and his speech slurred. He was asked by an officer if he had had a drink and said he had had a shandy at lunchtime.

Mrs White said the defendant was asked to take a roadside breath test. His condition continued to deteriorate and he was arrested at first on suspicion of being unfit to drive through drunk.

The prosecutor said Coombe was given two breath tests at the police station and the lowest of the two readings was 73 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 mililitres of breath - the legal limit is 35.

Glen Smith, defending, said Coombe was acutely embarrassed to be appearing in court.

He had not been expecting to drive and unusual domestic circumstances had led him to take that journey.

He was anxious to apologise to the police and to the court.