A POLICE officer driving home after his shift saw a car on the M65 which appeared to have no tyres on.

Blackburn magistrates heard the car came to a halt because of the stop and the driver, Alex Oates, got out and tried to push it.

Oates, 24, of Quarry Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol, without insurance and other than in accordance with a licence. He was made subject to a community order for 18 months with 15 days rehabilitation activity requirement and 40 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay £85 costs and £34 victim surcharge.

Adam Bonney, prosecuting, said the off duty officer was driving home when he saw a Fiat Punto with no tyres on and sparks flying from the wheels.

He called 999 and as he watched Oates got out and tried to push the car.

When uniformed officers arrived they breathalysed Oates who failed the roadside test and gave a reading of 81 against the legal limit of 35 at the police station. He was a provisional licence holder and therefore had no insurance to drive unaccompanied.

When he was interviewed Oates said he had been drinking lager and shots and "like a moron" had got into his car to drive home.