AN ALCOHOLIC got behind the wheel drunk and crashed after England were knocked out of the World Cup, a court was told.

Depressed Michael Anthony Bascetta, 51, who smashed into a neighbour's car at 1am after an all-day drinking session, told the owner: "These things happen," and then went in his house.

Bascetta, said to drink himself to oblivion, was later found to be almost four times the limit, Burnley magistrates heard.

Bascetta, of Tadema Grove, Burnley, admitted driving with excess alcohol on July 2. Bascetta, who has no previous convictions, was given an 18-month community order with supervision, the drink- impaired drivers' programme, and was banned for three years. He must also pay £50 costs.

Andrew Robinson, prosecuting, said a resident in Tadema Grove was told by a neighbour Bascetta had hit his car. He went to examine it and found £1,000 damage.

Police were contacted and had to force their way into Bascetta's home and arrest him after he did not answer the door.

A test at the police station showed 133 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

He told officers he had watched the football at a pub and the next thing he remembered was hitting the vehicle. Bascetta said he had been drinking all day and was drunk.

David Lawson, defending, said Bascetta had driven a short distance. He said Bascetta had voluntarily contacted the alcohol services and funding was available for him to be accommodated in Manchester to try and kick his habit.

He added: "The defendant has been drinking himself to oblivion. He is crying out for help, rather than punishment."