A DRINK-DRIVE has been disqualified from driving for 18 months.

Constantine Farcal, 42, of Morr Pond Close in Bicester, formerly from Freshbrook, appeared in Swindon Magistrates Court yesterday to face trial.

Farcal had a prang with another vehicle while driving his Volkswagen Passat along Oxford Road with one passenger, a work colleague, on June 19.

A breath test revealed he had 74 microgrammes of alcohol in 100ml of breath - more than double the limit.

Case proceedings were relayed to him through an interpreter.

Pauline Lambert, prosecuting, said: "He was driving towards Nythe Road just after 6pm when he drove into the rear of a BMW and caused minor damage to the car.

"There were no injuries and an officer driving past the cars saw the BMW's owner speaking to Mr Farcal.

"The BMW owner had just called the police because he smelt alcohol on the defendant's breath.

"The officer gave Mr Farcal a breath test and took him into custody."

"He is of previous good character."

Ben Worthington, defending, said: "He has been driving for 15 years and had no previous accidents.

"He was working in Bicester and had drank two geers and one small glass of cognac before driving back to Swindon.

"There was an area of busy traffic, with vehicles moving slowly.

"Unfortunately, he took his eyes off the road for a moment and touched the vehicle in front.

"There was minor cosmetic damage.

"He has a wife and child and works in construction."

Farcal has also been given a £576 fine and must pay £85 in costs and £57 to victim services.

If he completes a drink-driving education course, the length of his driving ban will be reduced by several weeks.