ANDREW Paul Hook was spotted driving erratically on the A59 by police officers as he drove home from Preston to Gisburn in the early hours.

Blackburn magistrates heard that as Hook parked outside his home, the officers spoke to him and then breath-tested him.

Hook, 29, of the Old Chapel, Main Street, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol. He was disqualified from driving for two years and fined £600 with £35 costs.

Hook, who gave a reading of 99 against the legal limit of 35, agreed to be referred to the drink-drivers' rehabilitation programme which, if he completes successfully, would reduce his disqualification by six months.

Ian Huggan, defending, said the incident had caused Hook a great deal of distress and he felt remorse and shame for his activities.

He said Hook had moved to Gisburn because of his job in Harrogate as an IT salesman and because his fianc lives in Clitheroe.

"Gisburn provided fairly easy access to Harrogate for someone with a car but disqualification is going to cause serious difficulties for him," said Mr Huggan. "He says it is his worst nightmare and this offence and his appearance in court have caused him a great deal of stress."

Mr Huggan said that on the night of the offence, Hook had been in Clitheroe watching the England v Germany football match with friends. He had parked his vehicle and intended to get home by taxi but, after being separated from his friends, had foolishly decided to drive home.