A drink-driver caught behind the wheel whilst disqualified and without insurance has escaped a jail sentence.

Michael John Smith of Terminus Road, Maidstone pleaded guilty to the offences at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard how on July 11, the 36-year-old drove a Vauxhall Astra in Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, while disqualified and with no insurance.

He gave a breath test of 62 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.

Magistrates sentenced Smith to 60 days in prison, suspended for 18 months, and ordered him to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work in the next 12 months. He has been banned from driving for 48 months.

He must also pay £85 costs and a £115 victim surcharge.