A MAN spun a web of lies around his daily life after losing his job for the second time within 12 months, a court heard.

Blackburn magistrates were told that Paul Andrew Harkness kept up the pretence of leaving the house every day for his work as a delivery driver, despite the fact that he had been banned for drink driving and lost that job.

But Harkness's deceit eventually came to light when his wife insisted he took the car because it was raining and he was caught behind the wheel drinking strong cider at 11.23 am.

Jonathon Taylor, defending, said Harkness' life had gone into a downward spiral and he had now reached rock bottom.

" He is unemployed, has had to face up to the fact that he is an alcoholic and his wife has said they are finished," said Mr Taylor.

"I have warned him of the serious situation he is in today but I would ask you to adjourn for a pre-sentence report but not to leave the custody option hanging over him.

"That would be a great weight on his mind and I don't think he will get through the next three weeks if he feels he could be facing a custodial sentence," added Mr Taylor.

Harkness, 36, of Parkdale Gardens, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to being in charge of a vehicle with excess alcohol and driving while disqualified. The magistrates adjourned for pre-sentence reports but with an indication that they are considering a community penalty.

Tom Snape, prosecuting, said police saw Harkness sitting in a car parked on Cravens Brow. When he saw them Harkness got out and walked away but he was arrested.

An empty can of strong lager was found in the front of the car and seven full cans were found in the boot. When breathalysed Harkness gave a reading of 73 against the legal limit of 35.

Mr Taylor said that until last year Harkness had been working as a sales representative for a print company. He was earning good money to pay the mortgage and support his wife and five-year old son and they were expecting another child.

He was made redundant and eventually took a job as a delivery driver for White Arrow. That resulted in a considerable reduction in his income and he began to get into debt.

"He was ashamed of the fact that he could not cover his mortgage and household bills and in order to cope began drinking during the day," said Mr Taylor. "It got to the stage where he was drinking just to get through the day."

In December Harkness was dealt with by South Ribble Magistrates for an offence of drink driving while at work. He was banned for 12 months and inevitably lost his job.

"This was when the lies began," said Mr Taylor. "He could not face telling his wife what had happened and pretended he was going to work every day."

On the day of the latest offence Harkness had taken his son to school and his wife said he should take the car because it was raining.

"He couldn't find an excuse not to take the car but he could not face telling his wife the truth," said Mr Taylor.

He said that since the offence on Monday, March 18, Harkness had confessed all to his wife and she had said she was leaving him.

"The current state of play is that he is without a job, without a licence and without his wife and two children," said Mr Taylor.

"He needs help to try and rebuild his life. He has an appointment to see his doctor tomorrow and I would ask you to indicate a level of sentence that will not threaten his liberty."