DAVID Porter's hopes for an idyllic new life with his partner had been shattered by him failing a breathalyser test, Blackburn magistates were told.

The court heard that as a result of being banned Porter would lose his job and many of his dreams and aspirations would fall by the wayside.

"No drink driving conviction can come at a good time but this could not have come at a worse time for my client," said Andrew Church-Taylor, defending.

Porter, 19, of Holden Fold, Darwen, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol. He was disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £60 with £55 costs. He gave a reading of 59 against the legal limit of 35.

Porter agreed to be referred to the drink drivers' rehabilitation programme, which could reduce his ban by up to 25 per cent.

Mr Church-Taylor said Porter and his girlfriend had set up home together and the job he had been doing on a casual basis had become permanent.

"Unfortunately, that employment requires him to be able to drive," said Mr Church-Taylor. "Having set up home in a situation he and his partner believed to be idyllic they now face their first setback."