A DRINK-driver who tried to steal a wheel for his car in the early hours told police he had about 14 pints of lager and five Jack Daniels.

Burnley magistrates heard Michael Wayne Thorpe, 20, had been out, returned home and then, for some reason he could not explain, went to try to get a wheel for his Corsa off a similar vehicle up the road.

Thorpe, who has no previous convictions, was banned for two years, given a six months community rehabilitation order, including alcohol advice, and was fined £150 with £75 costs.

The defendant, of Todmorden Road, Burnley, admitted interfering with a vehicle, driving with excess alcohol and no insurance.

Thorpe was tested and the lower of two readings showed 101 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 mililitres of breath - the legal limit is 35.

John Rusius, defending, said hopefully the offence was a one-off. He still could not explain why he did what he did.