A 21-YEAR-OLD has been banned from driving.

At Newcastle Magistrates' Court, Casey Williams, of Maltkiln, Hexham, was handed a disqualification after driving a Volkswagen Passat while over the limit on Allendale Road on February 18.

The defendant had 66 mcg of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.

Williams was disqualified from driving for 18 months, which will be reduced by 18 weeks if a drink-driving rehabilitation course is completed.

Williams was also ordered to pay a £320 fine and costs of £85.

Williams was also fined a further £50 for failing to surrender to custody at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on March 6 having been released on bail on February 18.

A charge for failing to answer to court/police bail as soon as practicable was withdrawn.