POLICE responded to a “concern for safety” situation after a man was reported apparently unconscious behind the wheel of a car.

Blackburn magistrates heard when police arrived, Samuel Thornber was sitting in the driver’s seat of his Audi Q5 with the engine running.

The officers had to bang on the window and shine a torch in his face before Thornber was eventually roused.

Thornber, 29, of Pendle Street East, Sabden, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol. He was made subject to a curfew from 8pm to 6am for eight weeks, banned from driving for 26 months and ordered to pay £85 costs. Thornber gave a reading of 109 against the legal limit of 35.

Scott Parker, prosecuting, said police were called at 11.45pm after reports of a man who appeared to be unconscious in a car on Lowerhouse Lane, Burnley.

When he was interviewed Thornber admitted he had driven a couple of hundred yards before realising he wasn’t fit to drive.

Kamran Yousaf, defending, said his client was a man of previous good character.

“He had been drinking at a friend’s house earlier in the day and felt able to drive home,” said Mr Yousaf.

“He quickly realised that wasn’t the case and immediately stopped his vehicle. This will have a huge financial impact on him.”