ignition lights staying on with no keys in

[glenbat]

not really BMW but its all I got while my cab is being worked on. Ford Escort Van diesel, came out Sat morning to a completely flat battery, no ignition lights, nothing. Its a new battery, less than 6 months old and was replaced same time i fitted a new alternator. UIsed it Thurs night, then Sat dead as a dodo. Didnt leave lights on always double check.
AA man jump starts me, all ok, battery charging and no drain on battery when ignition is turned off. Go out today to check power still in battery, light up ignition lights a couple of times but dont start the engine, all lights on. Half hour later go to start her up and turns over, but not starting up. After a couple of trys i give up, dont want to drain the battery completely, turn ignition off and take keys out but the ignition lights (handbrake, oil pressure etc) stayed on, but very fiently. Someone suggested a sticky relay, someone else the ignition itself, and another a short somewhere

Any ideas guys before I pull all my hair out?

[Ant]

sounds like the engine earth strap has failed dude

repeat the test using a good quality jump lead to ground the engine to the battery, and see how you get on.