A DRINK driver received ‘life-changing’ injuries when he crashed into two parked vehicles and hit a wall in an early hours smash, a court heard.

Father-of-two David Thomas Burns, 45, then a law student, was found semi-conscious in the wreckage of his Ford Focus after the incident on Burnley Road, Weir, on April 25.

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He suffered two separate brain haemorrhages, was in a coma for some time and now has greatly reduced mobility and memory loss.

Burns entered Burnley Magistrates' Court with a walking stick, assisted by his wife.

His solicitor Daniel Frazer told the hearing: “The dangers of drink driving are there for all to see.”

The defendant, of Ronaldsway Close, Bacup, admitted driving with excess alcohol.

Burns, who is now on benefits, was fined £110, with a £20 victim surcharge and £85 costs. He was banned for 16 months.

An allegation of driving without due care and attention was withdrawn.

Aisha Akhtar, prosecuting, said the accident occurred at 4.40am.

The defendant, who had been drinking lager and whisky, had lost control of his car. He crossed the carriageway, collided with a large council-owned bin, hit a Ford Fiesta, carried on down the road and crashed into a Ford Transit van. Damage was also caused to the wall of a farmhouse.

Miss Akhtar said police attended and found the defendant semi-conscious in the driver's seat.

Burns was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital.

Officers recovered a whisky bottle with a small amount left in it from the front passenger seat and two empty cans of lager were in the driver's footwell.

A blood test showed 121 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. The legal limit is 80.

Mr Frazer said: “His wife thought he was taking the dogs out, but for whatever reason he’s got into a vehicle and driven it."

Burns had no memory of the week before the accident. He started to regain his memory two weeks after.

The solicitor continued: “He can't explain the reasons why he has done what he’s done because he simply doesn't have the memory.”

The solicitor said Burns had no previous convictions.