A POLICE officer on a routine patrol narrowly missed a collision with a scooter when shot out in front of him.

But the rider was not so lucky when the officer, who went over to help, smelled alcohol on his breath.

Simon James Biggs, 18, of Shadsworth Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol and without a licence, insurance or test certificate.

He was disqualified from driving for 16 months and fined £300 with £65 costs.

Biggs, who was more than twice the legal limit, agreed to be referred to the drink-drive rehabilitation programme which, if completed successfully, will reduce his ban by 25 per cent.

Phillipa White, prosecuting, said that after driving directly in front of the patrol car, Biggs fell of the scooter.

"The officer got out of his car to assist him but it immediately became apparent the rider was under the influence of alcohol," said Mrs White.

Clare Knight, defending, said Biggs had been at a friend's house helping to repair the scooter and had intended to stay the night.

But he had become concerned about his father who had suffering from sever asthma attacks and decided to make the short journey home to check on him.

"He is very remorseful and is thankful that nothing more serious happened, especially to anybody else," said Miss Knight.