A MAN thrown out by his auntie because he hadn't been paying his rent took her car with him.

Blackburn magistrates heard Colin Cardwell was banned from driving and when police arrested him he failed a breathalyser.

Cardwell, 22, of Newton Terrace, Millom, but formerly of Duke Street, Oswaldtwistle, was convicted in his absence of unauthorised vehicle taking, driving while disqualified, with excess alcohol and without insurance.

He was made subject to a curfew for eight weeks between 8pm and 7am, banned from driving for 18 months and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

Parveen Akhtar, prosecuting, said after telling Cardwell to leave on October 31 his auntie had packed his bags.

"Within minutes of him leaving the house she realised her car keys were missing and when she looked out of the window so was her car," said Miss Akhtar.

Later that night an officer saw Cardwell standing next to the Vauxhall Zafira in Sagar Street, Nelson, on November 1and he was arrested and breathalysed.

Damien Pickup, defending, said his client had always denied driving the vehicle and was annoyed he had missed his trial date.

"He still denies these matters and once he has been sentenced today intends to lodge an appeal to the Crown Court," said Mr Pickup.