LATE-night celebrating after England's World Cup match against Colombia cost a Blackburn man his driving licence and promotion at work.

Kenneth Ian Goodliffe, 22, was stopped by police at 2am following the match. A breath-test showed 94 microgrammes of alcohol - more than double the legal limit of 35 microgrammes.

Blackburn magistrates heard Goodliffe was stopped coming off the forecourt of a filling station in King Street. He told police he had had four pints, said Margaret Duckworth, prosecuting.

Goodliffe, of Higher Audley Street, Blackburn, admitted drink-driving. He was fined £400 with £40 costs and banned from driving for two years.

Scott Ainge, defending, said Goodliffe was employed by Customs and Excise in Blackburn and the ban cost him promotion and a move to Liverpool. He told the bench that on the day of the match, Goodliffe had gone home from work early because he was not feeling well. He decided to go to a pub and watch the match and drink only soft drinks, because he was driving and because of his illness.

Mr Ainge said he initially stuck to soft drinks then became caught up in the post-match euphoria.

"There was, unfortunately, a lock-in at the pub when drinks were served late. He stayed on and had more to drink. Quite stupidly he got into his grandmother's car, which he had borrowed, and drove home."

Mr Ainge said there was no criticism of Goodliffe's driving. He was approached by the police after stopping at a garage because he thought he might have a puncture.

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