FARMER John Towler spoiled his unblemished driving record of 43 years when he failed a breath test when stopped on his way home from the pub.

Blackburn magistrates heard the loss of his licence would be a major inconvenience for Towler, who lives in a remote part of the Ribble Valley.

Towler, 61, of Newbarn Farm, Lane Ends, Bolton-by-Bowland, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol.

He was disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £140 with £55 costs.

Towler, who gave a reading of 76 against the legal limit of 35, agreed to be referred to the drink-drivers' rehabilitation programme which, if completed successfully, will reduce his disqualification by 25 per cent.

Claire Fanning, prosecuting, said Towler was stopped for a routine check at 1.15am.

Nick Turner, defending, said Towler had been in the Coach and Horses pub, about two miles from his home.

He had bumped into some people he had not seen for some time and ended up having more to drink than he normally would.

Mr Turner said the inevitable disqualification would inconvenience Towler more than most.

He lives in a remote area and because of cartilage trouble could not walk more than 200 yards without resting. He needed his licence to transport sheep to and from market and it was two miles to the nearest shop.

"He has held a clean licence since the day he passed his test 43 years ago and he realises he has now lost that exemplary record," said Mr Turner.