A DRIVER who thought he had “slept off” the effects of alcohol failed a roadside breathalyser.

Blackburn magistrates heard when he was taken to the police station Andrew Robertson failed to provide a breath sample despite several attempts.

Robertson, of Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a sample for analysis. He was fined £400 with £85 costs and £40 victim surcharge and banned from driving for 12 months.

Alex Mann, prosecuting, said Robertson was stopped at 1.30am because he had a headlight out.

She said his roadside sample was just under twice the legal limit and samples at the police station were at a similar level but not adequate for evidential purposes.

Aftab Bakhat, defending, said his client had slept after drinking and when he woke thought he had slept it off.

“That was his mistake and it will prove costly,” said Mr Bakhat.

“He is a plasterer who needs a vehicle to get to jobs."