A DRIVER who began speeding because he was late for work was over the limit because he had been drinking the night before, a court heard.

Barry Steven Robinson, 22, who hopes to be an army driver, was told by Burnley magistrates he should have been banned for 18 months, but they were imposing a 12 month disqualification because of his 'aspirations' for the future.

Robinson, of Burnley Road, Colne, must also pay a £200 fine, with £50 costs, after admitting driving with excess alcohol. An allegation of driving without due care and attention was withdrawn by the justices.

Kendal Lindley, prosecuting, told the court Robinson was seen driving towards Nelson just before 9am and officers began to follow him.

The defendant speeded up in the 30mph limit and police continued to follow, trying to stop him. The defendant went round a roundabout looking over his shoulder and drove erratically. He was eventually brought to a halt and the lower of two breath tests showed 56 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, the legal limit is 35.

John Rusius, defending, said Robinson had not been drinking that day, but had been out drinking the previous night. He had been on his way to the petrol station on the way to work and co-operated when police stopped him.

Robinson had spent some time in custody and lost his job because of the interim driving disqualification. That was a considerable financial punishment for him.

The defendant hoped to go into the Army and had been told provided there were no continuing court orders such as community service or probation, his entrance into the services would not be hindered.

Mr Rusius went on: "He hopes to be a driver and will only be able to do that when his licence is returned. He apologises for what he has done."

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