A MAN who took a car and drove with excess alcohol has been banned and fined more than £900.

John Frank White, 30, was stopped by police at Bar End Industrial Estate after driving on Bar End whilst over the limit on November 19.

Basingstoke Magistrates Court heard that White had an alcohol reading of 61 micrograms in 100 millilitres of breath with the legal limit is 35.

White, of Oglander Road, Abbotts Barton, Winchester, admitted drink driving and and with no insurance. For each offence he was fined £360 as well as a £36 victim surcharge and £150 costs.

He pleaded guilty to taking a vehicle without consent. He took the 06-reg Ford Focus from Old Station Approach, off Chesil Street, a road that leads directly to Bar End Road. There was no separate penalty.

His driving ban is for 17 months but it will be cut by 17 weeks if he passes an approved course by November 5 2018.