A DRINK-DRIVER who sped through Chester city centre one-way streets in the wrong direction has been spared an immediate prison sentence.

Ayaz Bin Riaz, 38, of Kingsway Crescent, Manchester, had previously pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and drink-driving when he appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on December 6, 2019.

Then, the court heard the incident began just before midnight on November 16 when police were called to Crook Street amid a report of a fight outside the United Services Club.

Riaz left in his Mercedes and turned to go the wrong way on Princess Street – past the town hall police station – before turning left to go the wrong way up Northgate Street at speed.

Riaz then turned on to St Martin's Way, where the police officer originally out to the Crook Street incident was able to intercept him and arrest him shortly before Grosvenor Roundabout.

Riaz gave a breath test reading of 73 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath – more than double the legal limit of 35.

When interviewed by police, Riaz – who had no previous convictions – said he knew he was over the limit but was asked by others who were in the car with him to keep driving.

He was remorseful when shown what he had done, saying he had "panicked".

Magistrates said the case was too serious for them to sentence so sent it to Chester Crown Court, where on Friday, January 3, Riaz received an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

He was handed a community order where he must complete 200 hours unpaid work and was banned from driving for two years, and must take an extended retest at the conclusion of that ban.