A 50-year-old former teacher was found to be nearly four-and-a-half times the drink drive limit when he drove home from the shop at 11 am.

Blackburn magistrates heard that staff at the store in Preston New Road, Blackburn, had reported Simon Turner to the police because he was clearly drunk when he drove away from the shop.

And officers who approached him outside his home 400 yards away described how Turner “staggered” away from his vehicle.

Turner, of Weavers Court, Preston New Road, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol.

He was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report after the court heard he gave a reading of 154 against the legal limit of 35.

Isla Chilton, prosecuting, said that when he was interviewed by police Turner said he had been going through difficult times and had been drinking excessively.

He said he had gone to the all-night store and bought wine at 6 am.

Having drunk that he returned to the shop to buy more.

Sian Hall, defending, said her client was a man of previous good character who had experienced considerable difficulties in his life.

“This is a respectable man who has got to this age without committing any offences,” said Miss Hall.

“He has held down a responsible and important job until his present troubles.”