A 47-year-old man has been banned from driving for almost four years, after he was caught drink driving for the second time.

Kevin Liston, of Milling Close, Swindon, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol on January 5 at Spine Road, Cirencester, and was sentenced to a community order alongside the disqualification of 44 months.

Joanne Wallis, prosecuting, told Cheltenham Magistrates Court that police received a call at 11pm from a Mr Fergale, whose car had just been hit by Liston's BMW in a glancing blow at a junction in South Cerney.

Mr Fergale followed the car that failed to stop following the minor accident.

"The car was travelling at speed. It was swerving all over the road, before it stopped outside the Spar store in South Cerney," Ms Wallis said.

She explained that Mr Fergale and his friends tried to stop Liston driving away but failed. Later, the police "saw a car driven out of the Four Pillars Hotel by the defendant," Ms Wallis said.

"They saw him swerving and signalled for him to stop, but he didn't, even when they illuminated their blue lights. Then the boot opened. The officers were not trained in pursuit and so they stopped."

Liston was later arrested at home, when he told officers that had been drinking at his address and had not drunk before driving.

He admitted his guilt last week and accepted that he had a previous conviction for drink driving in March 2013.

Representing himself, he told the Chair of the Bench, Paul Fulham: "I've learnt my lesson.

"My partner died of cancer two years ago. I've not been dealing with things well. I am now actively involved in counselling and I've been going to AA meetings on Mondays, Thursday and Fridays.

"I am getting as much help as I can. I'm working with my GP. It's not an excuse, but I've been finding things very, very difficult."

"I am signed off work with stress. My house is being sold due to a bankruptcy order."

Mr Fulham asked that the Probation Service interview Liston and provide a short report to the court.

Neil Hewitt, Probation Service Officer, told the court that he recommended a short Community Order to deal with the concerns about alcohol use.

Liston was disqualified from driving for 44 months, and was sentenced to a nine month Community Order with a requirement to engage with a probation worker for up to 10 days. He was also made subject to financial penalties totalling £885.