AN early hours trip to find a takeaway cost a 46-year-old man his driving licence.

Burnley magistrates heard how brushing operative Eric Elliott, who has no previous convictions, was twice the legal limit when stopped by police.

Elliott, of Bear Street, Burnley, was disqualified from driving for 18 months and fined £600 after admitting driving with excess alcohol. Linda Forshaw, prosecuting, told the court police saw Elliott's car weaving in its lane, followed it and stopped him in Trafalgar Street, Burnley. The lower of two police station breath tests showed 71 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Alan Wilson, defending, said the defendant had been driving for more than 20 years. He was terribly apologetic and remorseful for the offence. He had never been arrested or before a court before and could not quite believe the situation he found himself in.

The offence was completely out of character.

Elliott had spent the evening drinking at a local workingmen's club, had four or five pints and made his way home. He then wanted something to eat, did not have anything and went driving around, unsuccessfully looking for a takeaway open.

He was on his way home when stopped by police.

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