A MAN accused of drink driving told a court he gave a positive breathalyser test because he had been "siphoning diesel with his mouth".

Anthony Sheppard, aged 54, of Stuart Close, Trowbridge, pleaded not guilty to driving while over the legal alcohol limit at Salisbury Magistrates Court on Friday.

Prosecuting, Kate Prince said police were tipped off that Mr Sheppard, who was driving a white van on the A303 at Amesbury, may have consumed alcohol at about 2pm on August 12.

Ms Prince said Mr Sheppard had been called out to assist a lorry that had broken down on the road and officers arrived in time to see him pull up in his van.

Mr Sheppard was given a roadside breath test, then taken to the police station and breathalysed, giving a reading of 55mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath.

Defending, Kevin Marland said it was the case of "a morning after" drink drive allegation.

He said Mr Sheppard had had four or five pints of lager the night before, and had received a call about a breakdown at 1pm the next day.

Mr Marland said before leaving Mr Sheppard "siphoned off some diesel by mouth to take with him" and "it appeared he had ingested some diesel particles" while doing so.

He said there was "no suggestion" from police that Mr Sheppard was "swaying or slurring his words".

Mr Marland said: "I'm no expert, but it would appear that [ingesting diesel] could cause a reflux or regurgitation."

Mr Sheppard will have a trial by magistrates at Chippenham Magistrates Court on November 22.