Wigan motorist who was four times over the limit narrowly avoids immediate jail term

By Charles Graham
Published 19th May 2023, 04:55 BST
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A Wigan motorist who was caught at the wheel when almost four times over the drink-drive limit has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Rodney Heaton, 47, of Gathurst Road, Orrell, stood before borough justices to admit giving a reading of 138 microgrammes of alcohol in 100ml of breath when the limit is 35.

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He was caught under the influence when driving a silver Peugeot on Orrell Road, Orrell, on July 29 last year, justices heard. He was told he was receiving a custodial sentence because of the "exceptionally high" alcohol reading and because the offence was committed while he was on bail for another matter.

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Rodney Heaton gave a reading of 138 microgrammes of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 138 microgrammesRodney Heaton gave a reading of 138 microgrammes of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 138 microgrammes
Rodney Heaton gave a reading of 138 microgrammes of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 138 microgrammes

He was given a 10-week jail sentence suspended for two years, disqualified from driving for five years, ordered to take part in an alcohol rehab programme and he must also pay £239 to the court and victim services.