A FEMALE motorist concerned about a possible drink driver approached the other vehicle when they stopped at a junction, opened the driver's door and removed the keys.

Blackburn magistrates heard the female was assisted by other drivers to detain John Tomlinson.

He gave a roadside reading of 129 against the legal limit of 35 and later told police he had drunk between seven and nine pints of beer after finishing work.

Tomlinson, 61, of Sparth Road, Clayton-le-Moors, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol.

He was banned from driving for 48 months and made subject to a community order for 18 months with 150 hours unpaid work and 15 days rehabilitation activity requirement.

He was ordered to pay £85 costs and £90 victim surcharge.

Tracy Yates, prosecuting, said Tomlinson had been driving behind the female witness as they travelled from Barrowford.

She saw him swerving all over the road and nearly hitting other cars.

When they stopped at the Shuttleworth Hall Link road she got out of her car and removed his keys.

Tomlinson told police he had finished work in Barrowford and went to the Thatch and Thistle where he had between seven and nine pints of real ale.

"He said he felt fine to drive but despite that was swerving all over the road," said Mrs Yates.

He gave a reading of 129 at the roadside and a reading of 114 at the police station.

James Preece, defending, said his client didn't accept he was swerving all over the road but did accept a member of the public was so concerned she intervened.

"He didn't intent to drink as much as he did," said Mr Preece.