A DURRINGTON man has been banned from driving for 40 months after crashing into another car while over the alcohol limit.

Roland Alexander Smith, of Birchwood Drive, 24, pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle when his alcohol level was over the limit, and driving without due care and attention when he appeared at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

The court heard at about 5.30pm on September 20, the defendant was driving a white Vauxhall Combo van which was travelling down hill along Camp Hill, Little Durnford.

The van struck a bank and was deflected back into the carriageway where it hit an Audi A4 travelling in the opposite direction — causing damage to both vehicles.

Prosecuting, Nick Barr said: “At some point during the collision a large square wooden post penetrated the Vauxhall windscreen, narrowly missing the driver.”

Mr Barr said the defendant asked if anyone had been hurt and admitted to drinking three or four pints of alcohol.

He provided a sample of 103 milligrammes of alcohol in 100ml of blood.

The court heard he had previously been disqualified from driving for driving with excess alcohol.

Self employed Smith said: “I can’t make any excuses for it. It was a really big mistake. I am really sorry it happened.

“I will lose my job. I won’t have a driving licence - it will be really difficult to get a job.”

He was fined £80 for driving without due care and attention and ordered to pay court costs of £55. And for driving with excess alcohol he also received a fine of £120 and has to pay court costs of £170.