A DRINK driver who got behind the wheel for the third time in a year while banned, has paid the price with a six-month jail term.

Burnley magistrates heard how David Bracewell, 31, had never passed a test or even had driving instruction. He was spotted by police trying to get his car on the drive in the early hours.

Bracewell of Cornell Grove, Burnley, had earlier admitted driving with excess alcohol, driving while disqualified and using an uninsured vehicle, on 8 November. He was also banned for two years.

The bench gave him two months for the offences and four months of an earlier suspended sentence, on top.

Tom Snape, prosecuting, said the defendant seemed to be having difficulty getting his car on the drive.

When police spoke to him, he smelled of drink and when he was asked if he had had anything to drink, the defendant said he had had only four pints.

Bracewell was arrested for drink driving, he said :"Can you make sure my gate is closed ?" The lower of two police station breath tests showed 55 microgrammes of alochol in 100 mililitres of breath - the legal limit is 35.

Mr Snape said the defendant was in breach of a suspended prison term and also a two year driving ban.

Richard Prew, defending, said Bracewell was under no misapprehension custody would be at the forefront of the court's mind.

He drove a very short distance after deciding for a reason best known to himself to put the car on the drive.