A HAMPSHIRE man has narrowly avoided an immediate prison sentence for driving drunk while disqualified from the road.

Simon Coyle, 56, of Homestead Road, Medstead, near Alresford, drove a Volkswagen Golf in Gresley Road, Basingstoke on Wednesday, March 6, a court heard.

At the time of the offence, Coyle was disqualified from holding or obtaining a driver's licence. Magistrates also heard that, when tested, he had 204 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood, more than double the legal limit.

Appearing at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, June 6, Coyle pleaded guilty to the offences.

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On Wednesday, July 24, he was given a 10-week prison sentence, which has been suspended for 12 months, and has been disqualified from driving for four years.

Coyle must also attend alcohol treatment for six months, and must comply with any instructions of the responsible officer to attend appointments with the responsible officer or someone else nominated by them, or to participate in any activity as required by the responsible officer up to a maximum of 15 Days.

He must also pay a £154 victim surcharge and £85 costs. The total amount of £239 must be paid by August 21.