A WINCHESTER drink driver who was five times the legal limit has received a suspended prison sentence.

Reginald Ernest Edmond, 57, of Milland Road, Highcliffe, was arrested after he blew a positive test on Easton Lane, Winnall.

He was driving a 67-reg Ford Transit on November 5 last year, a court was told.

His reading was 183 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath when the legal limit is 35.

Magistrates in Basingstoke said the offence was so serious that they jailed him for 18 weeks but suspended it for 18 months. They highlighted the very high reading and the risk to other road users.

But they said they could suspend the sentence as there was a realistic prospect or rehabilitation. Edmond has voluntarily spent time in rehab and is addressing his alcoholism.

Magistrates banned him from driving for three years, imposed a £128 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

The ban will be reduced by 274 days if Edmond passes an approved course by January 15 2023.