A BUILDER banned from driving after he crashed his Volkswagen camper van into another vehicle while three times the drink-drive limit, told an Isle of Wight court he was an idiot for allowing it to result in a loss of work opportunities.

Gareth Chilcott, 35, of Newport Road, Niton, admitted drink-driving on the evening of November 20, when he appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (6).

Police were called to an incident in Kemming Road, Whitwell, at around 6.30pm, in which Chilcott crashed his van into another Volkswgen van.

On their arrival, officers noticed Chilcott was drunk and stank of alcohol, said Ann Smout, prosecuting.

Chilcott failed a roadside breath test and was arrested. 

At Newport Police Station, he blew an alcohol reading of 105 microgrammes. The legal limit is 35.

Chilcott, who said he drank six pints after work, was convicted of drink-driving in 2007.

Appearing unrepresented in court, Chilcott told the bench: "I shouldn't have driven. I've lost all my work. I was an idiot.

"I have no problem with alcohol. I've only had two beers since."

He also claimed he lost control of his camper van when his dog slipped its collar and jumped up at the steering wheel.

Chilcott added he was glad no one was hurt in the accident. 

Magistrates handed him a year's probation, with 120 hours' unpaid work, a £114 surcharge and £40 costs.

Chilcott was disqualified from driving for 28 months.