A NORTHWICH man has avoided jail despite being three times over the drink drive limit - his third conviction in 10 years.

John Whittaker, 27, of Carlton Road, also admitted failing to stop on the night on October 22 when he appeared at Vale Royal Magistrates Court.

Police saw him driving erratically and began following him, eventually forcing him to pull over after he initially tried to evade them. Whittaker, who was given a two-year suspended prison sentence and five-year driving ban for previous offences, had driven to a pub but had not intended to drive back.

Derek McDonald, defending, said he had arranged for his girlfriend to pick him up but they had an argument and she left him 'high and dry'. Mr McDonald said his client had 'taken the easy option' to drive home but that 'drink clouded his judgement'.

He added: 'My client knows he has been an absolute idiot.'

Chairman of the bench John Meredith told Whittaker: 'This is your third offence in 10 years and a custodial sentence is the only option. I am therefore giving you a suspended sentence of two years.'

Whittaker was also ordered to pay £60 costs and told he must complete a drink-impaired drivers course and Mr Meredith warned another conviction would lead to prison.