A MEMBER of the public intervened when she saw a drunken man heading for the car park at Blackburn Asda.

Blackburn magistrates heard as Peter James Devenney staggered past her vehicle the woman heard him asking himself where he had parked.

After asking security to call the police the woman tried to prevent Devenney from driving off by telling him he had dropped a £10 note in the store.

He ignored her and drove onto the petrol station were he was arrested after failing a roadside breath test.

Devenney, 44, of Sandringham Road, Darwen, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol on the Asda car park at Grimshaw Park. He was fined £576 with £85 costs and £56 victim surcharge and banned from driving for 23 months.

Rachel Ottley, prosecuting, said the incident took place at 1.15pm and the female witness could see that Devenney was very drunk as he staggered past her car.

Devenney told the arresting officer he had been drinking whisky. He gave a police station reading of 106 against the legal limit of 35.

David Lawson, defending, said since the offence in April his client had self referred to Inspire, the drink and drug agency, and had also sought help from his doctor with his drink problem.

"That is indicative of someone who wants to address his problems," said Mr Lawson.

"He accepts that he put members of the public at risk and wishes to apologise."