A KARAOKE entertainer in fear for his life jumped in his car after he had been drinking, thinking he was about to be attacked, a court heard.

Burnley magistrates were told how Gordon Hudson's karaoke equipment had been stolen and two men who claimed they knew where it was had been demanding - and got - cash with menaces.

Hudson, who performed at Nelson's Irish League Club, where his estranged wife was steward, thought he was about to be assaulted.

Hudson, 54, of Townhouse Road, Nelson, admitted driving with excess alcohol, was disqualified for 18 months, fined £400, and ordered to pay £40 costs.

Linda Forshaw, prosecuting, said police followed Hudson in the early hours and stopped him. The lower of two breath tests showed he was almost twice the legal limit.

John Rusius, defending, said Hudson had been approached by two people, who demanded money, and got it, making threats and going to the defendant's estranged wife and trying to get cash from her.

They had been in fear of their lives. Police were investigating.

On the evening of the offence, Hudson was at the Irish League Club and a woman made comments about calling the two people with regard to further intimidation.

Mr Rusius went on: "The defendant left rather rapidly. He would normally go home in a free taxi provided by the club, but did not want to hang about. He thought he would be assaulted, so he drove home."

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