CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A BUILDER caught driving nearly three and a half times over the drink drive limit is facing a prison sentence.

Andrew Fleming, 26, of Newbourne Gardens, Lower Stanton St Quinton, was caught driving to get some food after drinking all day.

Magistrate David Randolph said in Chippenham magistrates' court on Thursday: "This is a very, very high reading, so high in fact that we can't sentence you today."

When Fleming, representing himself, asked whether he could be sent to prison, Mr Randolph replied: "You must prepare yourself for the possibility that custody will be the sentence. It might be in the region of a couple of months."

Michele Hewitt, prosecuting, said officers found Fleming sitting in his car on the side of Land Road, Chippenham with a puncture, on April 9 at about 8.30pm.

His car engine was still running and he smelt of alcohol.

Officers took him to the station where he was found to have 120mg alcohol in 100ml of breath, nearly three-and-a-half times the legal limit of 35mg.

Mrs Hewitt said Fleming, a builder, had been drinking all day and had driven to buy some food when he got a puncture.

He had drunk five pints of Strongbow and knew he would be over the limit.

"He was very remorseful but he said at the time he felt okay to drive," she said.

Fleming, who pleaded guilty to drink driving, said: "Losing my licence will mean I will lose my job which will prevent any chance of paying back any fines for some time.

"I was very aware of what I'd done. I feel apologetic and just felt downright stupid.

"Apart from that there's not much more I can say."

Fleming, who has previous convictions for theft, said he hoped he could continue to work without a driving licence.

"I have got to carry on. It's either that or I have got to find another job closer to home," he said.

The case was adjourned for an all options report, including custody.

Fleming was disqualified from driving until his next hearing on June 7 and was released on unconditional bail.