PAINTER and decorator Geoffrey Jenks was so shocked when he failed a roadside breath test, he felt his Cokes must have been spiked, Kennet magistrates in Devizes heard on Tuesday.

But, as Jenks, 39, of Townsend, Market Lavington, was unable to prove that anyone had tampered with his drinks, he pleaded guilty to a charge of drink driving.

Amanda Sawetz, prosecuting, told the court two police officers on patrol saw a red Peugeot parked in the middle of Wharf Street, off New Park Street shortly after 2am on March 6.

They approached the car and spoke to Jenks behind the wheel. He said he was waiting to pick up his friends with whom he had been to the Crown Inn. The officers smelt alcohol on his breath and administered a roadside breath test, which was positive.

Jenks was arrested and at the police station gave reading of 63 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, the legal limit being 35.

Jenks was banned from driving for 18 months, which could be reduced to 14 months if he successfully completes and drink-driver's rehabilitation course.

He was also fined £200 and ordered to pay £55 costs.