by Joe Walker

joewalker@thekmgroup.co.uk

A councillor who smashed into two cars is alleged to have been almost five times the drink drive limit.

Vince McMahan - a serving magistrate - crashed into an oncoming car and hit another in Western Avenue , Herne Bay, at 5.15pm on Monday.

The dad-of-three was breathalysed by police and was said to have given a reading of 167mg in 100ml of breath - the legal limit is 35mg.

The 50-year-old Tory, who represents West Bay and lives in Broomfield , says he is "absolutely mortified".

He said: "I'm just so thankful no one was hurt. I can't stop thinking about what could have happened. I've brought shame on my family."

Licensed cabbie Vince was said to have been drinking in Herne Bay before the accident.

He was driving home in his Nissan Almera when he hit an oncoming Ford Focus and careered into a parked car belonging to city council officer Lyn McDaid.

The driver of the Ford - a 46-year-old woman from Herne Bay - was unhurt in the crash.

McMahan was arrested and spent a night in the cells at Canterbury police station.

He said: "It was the worst night of my life. I just wanted to wake up and for it all to be a bad dream.

"I'm absolutely mortified. I've never had so much as a point on my licence since 1978."

McMahan - who was voted onto the council in a by-election in 2005 - says he intends to resign his role as a magistrate but will continue as a councillor.

He is due to appear before Canterbury magistrates on March 23.