A 'COURAGEOUS and public spirited' man was praised by a judge for his role in helping to stop a drunk driver.

Preston Crown Court heard Daniel Adam, 37, was seen driving dangerously on the wrong side of Yew Tree Drive in Blackburn.

The incident took place on July 24 this year and Adam, from Deva Square, Oldham, was in a Volkswagen Golf, the court heard.

Prosecutor Mercedeh Jabbari said the incident was witnessed by Ashfaq Hussain, who was driving down the road in the correct lane and saw Adam coming towards him.

The court heard he took 'evasive action' to get out the way of the oncoming vehicle but he then turned around and started to follow Adam.

The defendant was driving towards Whalley New Road at around '50 to 60mph', Ms Jabbari said.

Recorder Simon Medland said the road safety risk to the public would have been much greater if not for Mr Hussain taking action.

He said: "He deserves to be publicly recognised for his behaviour.

"His actions apprehended the defendant at an early stage.

"If it was not for public spirited and courageous actions of Mr Hussain it could have ended up in a serious accident."

The prosecution said Mr Hussain flashed his lights at the vehicle to stop and then went over to speak to Adam.

Ms Jabbari said: "After being spoken to by Mr Hussain the witness found he was somewhat unwell and not fit to drive.

"He also removed the keys from the car and called the police."

Officers carried out a road side breath test on Adam who was found to have 52 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, the court heard.

The legal alcohol limit for drivers is 35 micrograms of alcohol for every 100 millilitres of breath.

Judge Mr Medland said the incident was 'completely out of character' for Adam, who had no legal representative in court.

The court also heard Adam had made a 'full and frank admission' and had pleaded guilty to the charges.

Adam was charged with with dangerous driving and driving after exceeding the prescribed limit of alcohol.

He was given a four month prison sentence suspended for 12 months and given a curfew from 9pm to 6am until January 3.

He must also carry out 180 hours of unpaid work within the next year.

Adam was disqualified from driving for 12 months and will have to complete an extended test after that period to drive again.