A man downed a bottle of gin before crashing his car twice on a trip to a garage to buy cigarettes.

Oliver Mansell, who was on a “downward spiral” after losing his job, had sunk the litre of alcohol during a late-night session at his home near Birchington.

A court heard the 40-year-old got up early and drove his Alfa Romeo to Brooksend service station in Canterbury Road to get a packet of 20.

But as he entered the forecourt he collided with another vehicle, left the scene - and then crashed into a garden wall in Crispe Road, Acol, where he lives.

When police arrived at the scene on July 19, Mansell failed a roadside breath test and was arrested.

Further tests saw him blow a reading which was almost three times the legal alcohol limit.

Mansell admitted drink-driving when he appeared before magistrates in Margate on August 7.

Lucie Fish, prosecuting, told the court police were alerted to the first crash at 7am and the second at 7.30am.

She said: “The garden wall suffered extensive damage and he told officers he had drunk a litre of spirits and a roadside test proved positive.”

Further tests back at the police station saw Mansell blow 103, microgrammes, which was said in court to be the lowest reading he blew during the tests.

Ms Fish added: “He told police he had drunk a bottle of gin until 1am and then woke up at 7am and went to buy cigarettes.

“He drove about two miles and the offence is aggravated by the fact there were two collisions, but he has no previous convictions.”

Martyn Hewett, defending, said his client had made full admissions to police during interview and that he had now engaged with the Forward Trust, a charity which helps people affected by drug or alcohol issues.

Mr Hewett added: “He lost his job at a removal company and there were some mental health issues and he turned to alcohol as he couldn’t sleep. It’s been a downward spiral. He’s on Universal Credit.

“He drank late in the evening and then slept and then got up and drove. He shouldn’t have done.

“He has a good driving record and has only had one crash [previously] and that was with a lampost.”

Magistrates told Mansell it was a high alcohol reading which warranted a certain level of punishment. They decided to place him on a 12-month community order which will see him complete a six-month alcohol treatment requirement and attend 10 rehabilitation sessions.

He was also ordered to carry out 60 hours of unpaid work and banned from driving for 25 months. He was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £114 as well as £85 court costs.

If Mansell completes a drink-driving course his ban will be reduced by 25 weeks. He was ordered to pay what he owes the court at a rate of £20 a month.