A WINCHESTER man has narrowly avoided a ban after being convicted of being in charge of a vehicle after consuming alcohol over the legal limit.

Justin Clive Hedden, 49, of Highcliffe Road, Highcliffe, admitted the charge at Basingstoke Magistrates Court.

The court heard that when breath-tested he had 80 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, when the legal limit is 35.

The circumstances of the offence were not available but the 07-reg vehicle was parked in Highcliffe Road near his home.

Magistrates fined him £1,500 with a £150 victim surcharge and £85 costs. His driving licence was endorsed with 10 penalty points, just two below the limit that would have triggered disqualification.