A DRINK driver caught after a crash is believed to have given police the highest alcohol in breath reading ever seen in Dorset.

Andrew Herrmann had 162 micrograms of alcohol in his breath after the afternoon collision in Poole.

The legal limit is 35 micrograms, meaning Herrmann was 4.6 times over the drink-drive limit.

He was narrowly spared a prison sentence at Magistrates’ Court after admitting drink driving and driving without appropriate insurance.

Magistrates sentenced the defendant, aged 29, to 16 weeks in prison.

However, they then suspended it for a period of 12 months.

In addition, he was banned from the roads for five years.

Police were called after a crash involving a black Toyota and a black Honda.

Officers breathalysed Herrmann and discovered he was significantly over the limit.

A traffic officer told the Echo: “Andrew Herrmann inexplicably got behind the wheel after drinking alcohol.

“It is extremely fortunate that his selfish actions did not have more tragic consequences.

“Drink driving will not be tolerated on our roads.

“Alcohol and drugs impair many of the functions necessary for safe driving; reaction times and spatial awareness are affected significantly.

“This may still be the case the morning after, depending on how much alcohol you consumed the night before and when you stopped drinking.”

Police have called for anyone who has specific information about someone who they suspect to be driving under the influence of drink or drugs, and therefore represents an immediate danger to road users, to call 999.

For non-urgent matters, members of the public can call 101.