A MAN spared a driving ban after being caught drinking cider at the wheel of his car has been caught driving while double the alcohol limit at a ferry terminal.

Painter and decorator Stephen Ward had previously been spared a ban when Isle of Wight magistrates were persuaded he was addressing his alcoholism and a ban would damage his and his apprentice's livelihoods.

That was August 31.

On December 8, he was caught driving at the Red Funnel terminal at Southampton while above the legal alcohol limit.

He registered a breath reading of 80 when the legal limit is 35.

The 58-year-old, of Melbourne Street, Newport, was this time banned from driving for 20 months.

He must pay a fine of £120, costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £34.

At the previous hearing, Barry Arnett, representing Ward, said Ward had accepted he had become alcohol dependent, but had referred himself to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and seen his GP to address mental health issues.