A MAN who was caught driving home drunk from a pub for the third time has avoided prison.

Ian Gregory, 49, of Briton Street, Southampton, pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle when alcohol level above limit at Southampton Magistrates Court.

The court heard how officers received information relating to a suspected drink driver leaving the Pilgrim House pub in Marchwood, just before 7pm on May 25.

Officers attended and stopped Gregory, who was driving a black Mercedes, on St John’s Drive.

A roadside breath test was carried out which showed he was over the limit and was arrested.

The court was told that this was the third time Gregory had been stopped by roads policing officers leaving the same pub.

He was stopped twice in November 2014 and disqualified for 20 months.

Today he was disqualified from driving for three years, ordered to pay a £120 fine, £85 in costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

Sgt Andy Gwyer, from the Joint Roads Policing Unit, said: “As a roads policing sergeant I have personally witnessed the tragic impact that drink driving can have on families and communities.

“This successful conviction comes as a result of information from a member of the public.

“It demonstrates that Hampshire Constabulary will respond positively to deal with those drivers that present a risk to the safety of other road users.

“You can help us to help make your community safer by passing information on drink or drug drivers by calling 101 or give information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

This sentencing comes amid Hampshire Constabulary's summer drink and drug drive campaign.