A NORTHWICH mum has avoided jail despite being caught more than four and a half times over the drink-drive limit.

Heather Birtwhistle, of David Street, was stopped by police while travelling along Hope Street in Northwich in an Audi A2 on September 26.

A subsequent breath test revealed the 51-year-old had 160 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of her breath - the legal limit is 35.

She appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on October 14 where the reading from her breath test was described as 'exceptionally high'.

At this hearing, Birtwhistle pleaded guilty drink-driving.

Magistrates sentenced her to 18 weeks in prison, but suspended the jail term for two years.

The court heard only a custodial sentence could be justified due to the seriousness of the offence, the exceptionally high reading and the defendant having previously committed identical offences.

The bench suspended the sentence due to 'strong personal mitigation' and the 'likely prospect of rehabilitation'.

Birtwhistle was banned from driving for five years and was ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work and a maximum 30-day rehabilitation requirement.

She must also pay court costs of £120 and a surcharge of £154.