A DRINK driver who initially dodged jail despite being more than quadruple the limit has now been sent to prison.

Danielle Welch was handed a suspended sentence in April after being caught in a Vauxhall Corsa in Lordswood Road, Colchester.

A breath test showed she had 142mcgs of alcohol per 100mls of breath. The legal limit is 35.

The 40-year-old was back in court after failing to attend unpaid work appointments and admitted breaching the order.

Magistrates decided to impose an immediate eight week jail term because Welch, of Eight Acre Lane, Colchester, had persistently failed to comply.

A MAN has been fined after admitting to an assault in Colchester.

Josef Gardy must pay £410 after the attack, as well as compensation of £100 to the victim, a £41 victim surcharge and £105 costs.

Gardy, 33, of James Street, Barnsley, admitted the offence at Colchester Magistrates' Court.

A PROLIFIC thief who stole meat has been jailed for 18 weeks.

Steven Baker, 37, took more than £140 worth of food from Co-op stores in Colchester in three separate raids last month.

Baker, of Ellis Road, Clacton, must pay £88 compensation.

A MAN caught driving with cocaine in his system has been handed with a 12 month band from the roads.

Christopher Davies, 33, was stopped in Layer Road, Colchester in April with an illegal amount of the Class A drug in his blood.

He had been driving a Peugeot Partner van.

Davies, of Bishop Road, Colchester, admitted drug driving at Colchester Magistrates' Court.

He must also pay £257 in court charges.