A DRINK driver from North Dorset who took an Audi without the owner’s consent before crashing into parked cars has avoided an immediate prison sentence.

Luke Benjamin Joyce, aged 24, was at the wheel of the vehicle when the incident took place in Forton Road, Gosport, on July 7.

Officers breathalysed Joyce and he was found to have 75 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – the legal limit is 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres.

The defendant, whose address was given as Orchard Close, Stourpaine, Blandford Forum, was sentenced at Poole Magistrates’ Court on November 25 having admitted charges of drink driving, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance and aggravated vehicle-taking.

He also pleaded guilty to a count of criminal damage relating to two vehicles in Wimborne between December 9, 2019, and December 23, 2019.

Joyce was handed an overall prison sentence of 26 weeks, suspended for 24 months. The bench ordered him to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and 29 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

He was ordered to pay £1,000 compensation for the criminal damage, £170 costs and a £128 surcharge. He was also disqualified from driving for 36 months.