A WINCHESTER pensioner has been banned from driving for five years after he was caught over the alcohol limit.

Peter Brittain Ashcroft, 66, was stopped in Basingstoke by police on August 16 whilst driving an X-reg Peugeot 406 on the A33, magistrates in the town heard.

His alcohol reading was 75, more than double the legal limit of 35.

Ashcroft, of Alresford Road, admitted the charge as well as failing to attend the magistrates court on September 26.

As well as the heavy ban he was ordered to pay an £85 victim surcharge and £85 costs.