British singer Cheryl Cole's brother has been spared jail after pleading guilty to drink driving.

 

Andrew Tweedy, who is also known as Andrew Leighton, was arrested in November (09) after cops grew suspicious when they saw him cruising the streets at 16.1 kilometres per hour (10 miles per hour) in Newcastle, England.

 

The 29 year old, who was handed a two-year suspended sentence in May ,09 for squirting pepper spray in a stranger's face, previously admitted driving while under the influence of alcohol and driving without a licence or insurance.

 

But he avoided a stint behind bars at a hearing at Newcastle Crown Court on Friday, 22Jan 2010, after the judge handed him a three-year driving ban and a fine of $160. His suspended sentence was extended to include supervision for 18 months and drug rehabilitation for a year. The judge also ordered him to enrol in a substance abuse course.

 

Tweedy's defence lawyer, Paul Caulfield, told the court, "He has problems with drink, depression, anxiety and drugs. They all combine together to cause him to behave inappropriately from time to time."

 

Judge Esmond Faulks told him, "Co-operate or you will be liable to go to jail."

 

Tweedy was previously jailed for six years in connection with a stabbing and four years for mugging a teenager.