A SOMERSET man has been banned from driving for 44 months after he was caught at the wheel of a Ford Transit van while over double the legal drink-drive limit. 

Wesley Gilchrist, of Lower Lane, Shepton Mallet, drove the van on May 17, 2022 in Trowbridge, Wiltshire. 

When he was caught, the proportion of alcohol in his breath measured 100 micrograms per 100 millilitres. 

The legal alcohol limit for driving in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.

Gilchrist, 43, pleaded guilty on May 18 and appeared at Taunton Magistrates' Court on Monday, August 8 to be sentenced.

He was banned from holding or obtaining a driving licence for 44 months, which court documents said was “obligatory for the offence”.

His disqualification will be reduced by 334 days if he “satisfactorily completes a course approved by the Secretary of State” by December 16, 2024.

The cost of the course will not exceed £250.

Gilchrist must pay a £95 surcharge to fund victim services and £85 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service.

He was also told to comply with the instructions of a responsible officer to attend appointments or participate in activities for up to 35 days. 

Gilhurst must also carry out 200 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months.

Court documents said his guilty plea was “taken into account when imposing sentence”.