A LEARNER driver was stopped by police after driving at high speed following a row with his girlfriend and found to be almost twice over the limit.

Mark Scott, a jobless 26-year-old, of Worcester Avenue, Accrington, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol, without insurance and not in accordance with his licence.

He was banned from the road for 18 months and fined £250 with £60 costs by Blackpool magistrates.

Prosecutor Jane Yates said on November 22 at 11.40pm police saw the defendant driving a Nissan Micra at high speed along Clifton Drive North, St Annes. A breath test showed 61 milligrams of alcohol in his body.

Peter Manning, defending, said his client had drunk two cans of lager and believed he was safe to drive. The defence added: "On the night in question he argued with his girlfriend, he then got into his car and drove off."

Scott's car had been impounded by the police and he would not be getting it back as the car's value was less than it would cost to get the vehicle released.