A DRINK driver crashed into the side of a house damaging a gas pipe as he drove home from the pub.

Blackburn magistrates heard Karl Shankly refused to provide a breath sample at the police station but later admitted he had drunk five or six pints before getting behind the wheel.

Shankly, 29, of Empress Street, Lower Darwen, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen for analysis. He was fined £583 with £58 victim surcharge and £85 costs and banned from driving for 20 months.

Adrian Hollanby, prosecuting, said the collision with a house in Duchess Street on October 12 was sufficient to cause damage to the defendant' car, the brickwork of the house and a gas pipe.

"Because of the noise the householder and a neighbour came out and detained the defendant until the police arrived," said Mr Hollanby. "At the police station he simply refused to provide a sample."

Shaun Finnigan, defending, said the offence was totally out of character for his client who was a hard-working young man who was extremely highly thought of.

"He had met with friends and had four or five pints and some food," said Mr Finnigan.

"As normal he ordered a taxi to take him home and when it was delayed he made the foolish decision to get in his car and drive home."

Mr Finnigan said when he crashed his car Shankly banged his head and when he was detained by the householder and a neighbour he was rugby tackled and banged his head again.

"When the police arrived they used what is known as "reasonable force" which left my client black and blue," said Mr Finnigan. "He was confused when he got to the police station."