Van man on the phone while drink driving

Craig Gerrard, 41, of East Avenue, Leigh, appeared before Wigan magistrates to admit driving a Renault van along Newton Road in Lowton while in conversation on his mobile.

The hearing was told that when officers breathalysed him he was found to have 41 microgrammes of alcohol in 100ml of breath when the legal limit is 35.

Neither was he insured nor licensed to drive the vehicle at the time.

Admitting all charges, Gerrard was disqualified from driving for 12 months (although the period can be reduced to three months if he takes a state-sanctioned course for drink-drivers.

He also has £525 in court costs, a victim services surcharge and a fine to pay out.

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