A PROPERTY developer caught drunk at the wheel of his Audi has been hit with one of Dorset's largest ever drink-drive fines.

Jason James Arden was more than 2.8 times the limit when he was arrested in Hinton Road, Bournemouth on August 17.

The defendant, who lives in a £2.1 million property in Hamilton Road, Sunningdale, appeared at Poole Magistrates' Court this week to admit drink driving.

The court heard Arden, 50, had 99 micrograms of alcohol in breath. The limit is 35mg.

The defendant was sentenced to a fine of £4,500 – one of the biggest ever handed out for such an offence in Dorset.

He was also ordered to pay a £181 surcharge and £85 costs. In addition, Arden was banned from driving for 26 months.

Arden is listed as an active director of 12 businesses according to Companies House.

The businesses include Fairville Properties Ltd, Jayez Properties Ltd, Jayrob Properties Ltd, Jayben Properties Ltd, Jaynation Properties Ltd, Overglade Properties Ltd and Jaywright Properties Ltd.