A FORMER policeman has been cleared of drink driving following a trial.

Matthew John Hanson, aged 27, of Warwick Road, Radcliffe, had denied a charge of driving in Warwick Road, Coventry Road and Ainsworth Road, Radcliffe, with twice the legal level of alcohol in his system.

Rochdale magistrates, after hearing evidence from witnesses, one alleged to be "hostile" and the other reluctant, the bench decided the burden of proof had not been satisfied and dismissed the case.

At the time of the alleged incident last year he was not in uniform and had been out socialising.

The magistrates said because the main witnesses could no longer be sure of the statements made at the time, they could not be satisfied Hanson was the driver of the vehicle.

Hanson said he was relieved the ordeal was over and he was pleased for his family. He had resigned from the force and found other work.