TAXI driver Owen Peter Gallagher was more than twice the legal limit when police breathalysed him in the early hours of the morning.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Gallagher, who was not working at the time, would lose his job as an additional punishment.

Gallagher, 47, of Birchall Avenue, Darwen, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol and was fined £200, banned from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay £40 costs. No separate penalty was imposed for having no insurance. Daniel King, defending, said Gallagher bought the car on the evening of the offence. "He was going to leave the car where it was until he could arrange insurance," said Mr King.

"After having a few pints of beer he foolishly decided to take a risk and drive the short journey home, a decision which cost him his employment."

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