A BURY man was jailed for six months for his third offence of driving while banned and fifth of drink-driving.

Magistrates told John Sydney Beet, of Kingfisher Drive: "We have taken a great deal of care in considering your case but there is no alternative but to give you a custodial sentence. You are a persistent offender."

Ms Sue Riley, prosecuting, told magistrates at Rossendale that Beet (35) had 62 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath when police breathalysed him, nearly twice the legal limit of 35.

He was stopped in Rawtenstall while driving to collect his girlfriend after a family wedding.

He had been convicted of driving while banned and with excess alcohol in 1992 and 1995, and had two other excess alcohol convictions.

He was also facing trial in Bury and had committed the latest offence only a day before an appearance at Bury Magistrates.

Mr Bill Rawstron, defending, said that Beet had had a drink problem most of his adult life, but was taking steps to combat it.

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