A DRINK-driver nearly four times over the limit has been banned from getting behind the wheel for three years after being involved in a hit and run.

Shaji Sjose, of Lobelia Avenue, Farnworth, was arrested on November 22 last year after he crashed his Toyota Corolla into a Peugeot 206 being driven by a woman in Wigan Road at about 1pm. When he was arrested Sjose was breathalysed and found to have 319 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath — the legal limit is 80 milligrammes, Bolton Magistrates Court heard yesterday.

Howard Sloane, prosecuting, said Sjose hit the wheel arch of the Peugeot. He did not give any details and drove off.

Bolton Magistrates Court heard Sjose was “ashamed” of his actions and later lost his job.

District Judge Jonathan Finestein, sentencing, said: “This is a very serious matter.

“You were nearly four times over the drinkdriving limit.

“That is probably how you lost your job.

“One thing I have to do is ensure the citizens of Bolton know you aren’t behind the wheel.”

Sjose, who held his hands in a prayer position whilst he awaited his sentence, received the driving ban, a 16-week jail term suspended for two years and was ordered to attend sessions to address his alcohol use.

He was also ordered to pay his victim £400 compensation, and ordered to pay an £80 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.