A motorist who drove along the A1 near Biggleswade while almost four times the alcohol limit has been given a suspended sentence.

Leslie Patterson, of Larkins Close in Baldock, was caught at the wheel of a Ford Galaxy on the A1 southbound with a reading of 126 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath — far beyond the limit of 35.

Patterson, 55, pleaded guilty to drink-driving on March 31 when he appeared before Luton magistrates.

And chairman of the bench Fiona McDougal imposed a 16-week jail term, suspended for 12 months, noting that the offence came within 10 years of a previous ban.

In addition the suspended sentence, Patterson is banned from holding a driving licence for 48 months.

He must complete 200 hours of unpaid work and pay a surcharge and costs totalling £200.

His driving ban can be reduced by 48 weeks if he successfully completes a drink-drive rehabilitation course by March 19, 2020.