A MAN who was over three times over the drink drive limit has been disqualified from driving for almost four years.

Lee Cooper, 40, of Manor Rise in Anna Valley, was stopped on June 15 on Winchester Road.

When given a breathalyser test, there was 108 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, which is just over three times the legal limit.

Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court heard on Monday that Mr Cooper had entered a not guilty plea before changing to guilty on the day of his previous hearing.

However, representing himself, Mr Cooper told the court: “The reason for the not guilty plea was because I listened to people I shouldn’t have.

“I was advised to go with a not guilty plea,” he continued, saying that the prosecution had shown their evidence later than usual.

However, on the day of the hearing and presented with the prosecution case, he was advised to change his plea to guilty.

Mrs Ashton, Chair of Magistrates, said that this “poor advice” was considered with his sentencing.

He was given a 12-month community order, including 15 rehabilitation activity days and 100 hours of unpaid work.

This was down from 150 hours.

As well as the community order, Mr Cooper was disqualified from driving for 46 months, with a £75 victim surcharge and £310 court costs.