A MAN was found slumped over the wheel of his car with a bottle of vodka between his legs.

Blackburn magistrates heard Mohammed Hanif gave a roadside breath reading nearly three times the limit but then refused to provide a sample at the police station.

Hanif, 56, of Montrose Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen for analysis. He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 50 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay £85 costs and £95 victim surcharge.

Gillian Kennaugh, prosecuting, said police received reports of a male asleep in his car on Victoria Street, Blackburn. They approached the car and found the engine running and the defendant in the driver's seat slumped over the wheel.

"They roused him and he appeared extremely intoxicated and there was a bottle of vodka between his legs," said Ms Kennaugh.

Zabair Afzal, defending, said his client couldn't remember much about the incident and his only explanation for refusing was that he didn't have a solicitor.

"He has shown genuine remorse and is embarrassed and ashamed by his behaviour, particularly drinking alcohol which is against his religion," said Mr Afzal.