A DRIVER who was aware there was a police car behind him at traffic lights went through on red because he thought they were broken.

Blackburn magistrates heard as Aiden John Shuttleworth made the decision to set off the lights changed and the police officer stopped and breathalysed him.

Shuttleworth, 25, of Skye Crescent, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol. He was fined £120 with £85 costs and £32 victim surcharge and banned from driving for 20 months.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said police came upon Shuttleworth's car stopped at traffic lights in Accrington Road at about 12.40 am. They pulled in immediately behind and were surprised when the car in front went through on red and accelerated away from the junction.

Duncan Nightingale, defending, said his client's version was that the lights had been on red for three or four minutes and he took the view they must be broken.

"He was awar the police had come up behind him," said Mr Nightingale.