A RUNCORN solider has been banned from driving for 15 months after being caught when well over twice the legal limit.

Thomas Doyle, aged 20, of Leyton Close, was stopped by police on January 5.

Halton Magistrates’ Court heard on Thursday how after being collared on Festival Way at 4.20am, a breath test showed 83 microgrammes of alcohol in 100ml of breath.

Catherine Whincup, prosecuting, said officers noticed damage to his Seat Ibiza where Doyle had lost control and gone off-road.

He is a private in a mortar platoon with the Army, and a senior officer that attended court with him warned he would be disciplined for bringing the Armed Forces into disrepute.

Doyle said: “I’m sorry, I’m ashamed of my actions.”

He was also fined and told to pay costs of £465.