A 37-YEAR-OLD South Cerney dad had a row with his wife then downed a bottle of wine before driving, Cheltenham Magistrates Court heard.

Sam Lewis, of Field Close, South Cerney, told the court on February 5, there was no excuse for his behaviour and he would accept whatever punishment was handed out.

The court heard Lewis was arrested on January 18, when police attended an accident near Shorncote Quarry, where he had to be freed from the vehicle by the fire service.

Representing himself, Lewis admitted driving with 64 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, over the legal limit of 35.

On the day, Lewis said he had had a row with his wife.

Deciding he wanted a drink he had a cider at home and later went out to Waitrose and bought a bottle of wine which he drank in his car, he said.

“I just didn’t really think” he told magistrates.

“I clipped the kerb and over-corrected myself twice and spun the car. "I have to take whatever punishment is given to me.

"I am sorry for the impact this has had on my family."

Lewis was banned for 17 months with 129 days discount if he completes a drink driving course by December 27 this year.

He was also fined £300 and ordered to pay £25 court costs and a £50 victim surcharge.