A DRINK driver has been spared an immediate prison sentence, despite getting behind the wheel while more than three times the legal limit.

Mark Buchanan disobeyed a suspended sentence already imposed upon him for possessing a bladed article last year when he committed the crime on August 30, 2021.

The 55-year-old was caught in Rotary Way, Colchester, by police officers who found he had 131mcg of alcohol in 100 millilites of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.

On the same day, Buchanan, of Winnock Road, Colchester, was also driving a Nissan Primastar van, despite not having third party insurance.

Buchanan admitted using a motor vehicle without third party insurance and committing a further offence while serving a suspended sentence, but denied drink driving.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court found him guilty of the offence, however.

Buchanan was committed to 12 weeks imprisonment, suspended for a year by magistrates.

He must undertake six months of an alcohol treatment requirement and attend up to 15 days of a rehabilitation activity due to be imposed upon him by the probation service.

He will also pay £495 in a fine, costs and surcharge, and was disqualified from driving for 31 months.