ERIC Ellison had a change of heart after giving police false details when he was arrested for drink driving.

Blackburn magistrates heard that after giving the name, address and date of birth of his best friend on the Friday night, Ellison went into the police station on Monday and came clean.

Ellison, 47, of Arran Avenue, Blackburn, was banned from driving for three years after pleading guilty to driving with excess alcohol.

He also pleaded guilty to driving without insurance, otherwise than in accordance with a licence and obstructing a police officer and was fined a total of £225 with £40 costs.

Ellison, who gave a reading of 91 in blood against the legal limit of 80, agreed to be referred to the drink drivers' rehabilitation programme which, if completed successfully, could reduce his ban by up to 25 per cent.

Robin Phoenix, defending, said Ellison accepted that he had been rather foolish. "He went to the police and admitted that he had told them a pack of lies," said Mr Phoenix.

"He had had a small amount of drink and when he was stopped he simply panicked."