IAN Caswell spent an afternoon drinking in a pub before driving home, a court heard.

Swindon magistrates heard Caswell had spent the afternoon of November 19 drinking lager and Southern Comfort in the Rodbourne Arms before driving home and being reported to police.

Caswell, of Elborough Road, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a sample of breath.

Magistrates adjourned the case to January 3 for pre-sentence reports to be prepared.

Prosecuting, Frank Murphy said witness Carol Stevenson had been playing pool with the 26-year-old and realised he had been drinking heavily as he was staggering when he walked.

Caswell told her he was going to call for a cab but when she left the pub she saw him heading towards his car to drive home.

"He said he was going to drive home and she said she knew he could not walk properly, let alone drive, so she tried to take his keys," Mr Murphy said.

"He got into his Citroen car and she stood in front of it and told him he shouldn't be driving it because he might kill someone. She ran round, took the keys, and ran into the pub. She gave the keys to someone and told them to move the car later.

"When she was outside she called her father to pick her up. During that time a member of staff at the pub gave him back his keys saying that if he wanted to kill himself he could."

Mr Murphy said Miss Stevenson phoned police after following Caswell and seeing his driving.

Defending, Stephen Weighell said his client had no recollection of what happened that day.