A MAN found to be in charge of a vehicle while almost three times the legal alcohol limit has avoided a ban.

Michael Harrison, of Longridge, Knutsford, admitted having 96 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath at Crewe Magistrates’ Court on April 22.

The legal limit is 35 micrograms of breath in 100 millilitres of breath.

Harrison had previously pleaded not guilty to being in charge of a motor vehicle while over the alcohol limit on January 11 and the case had been listed for a three-hour trial.

The 34-year-old was found to be in charge of a Citroen Berlingo van on Wheelock Street in Middlewich on December 16, last year.

His driving licence was endorsed with 10 penalty points.

When a person reaches 12 points, the law requires magistrates to disqualify them for at least six months.

Harrison was also fined £405 and ordered to pay £100 costs and £162 victim surcharge.

Magistrates took his guilty plea into consideration when imposing the sentence.

The defendant was given permission to pay the £667 court penalty in instalments at a rate of £100 per month starting on May 20.

Editor's note: This article originally referred to Mr Harrison as a drink-driver, which was incorrect. Mr Harrison was not charged with driving above the alcohol limit, but with being in charge of a vehicle while above the limit. We apologise for this error and any upset caused.