A WINDOW fitter who was caught being charge of a car after drinking has kept his licence.

Wigan Magistrates Court heard how Daniel Nichols was found with a BMW on Plodder Lane, Farnworth on May 9.

A breath test revealed that he had 53 microgrammes of alcohol in 100ml of his breath. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.

Nichols, aged 30, of Whalley Road, Ramsbottom, pleaded guilty to being in charge of a motor vehicle having drunk excess alcohol.

The penalty for the offence is 10 penalty points on a licence which, when added to other motoring offences, could result in a driver losing their licence.

But the court heard that, if banned, Nichols would lose the job he has held for 10 years as a window fitter as he travels throughout the North West and his apprentice does not drive.

After also being told that Nichols lives alone in his home and has sole responsibility for his mortgage, no ban was imposed.

In addition to the points on his licence, Nicholas was fined £80 and ordered to pay £114 in costs and charges.