A DRUGGED driver who nearly collided with a police car on a roundabout has been handed a three-year-driving ban.

Craig Edward Deyager, of Affleck Close, Toothill, pleaded guilty at Swindon Magistrates’ court  to driving a vehicle with a proportion of a specified controlled drug above the specified limit.

The 36-year-old was also fined £150 and ordered to pay a £34 surcharge and CPS costs of £85 after the court heard he tested positive for cocaine and cannabis.

Police said officers were on patrol in Chippenham when a Skoda Fabia left the A350 and narrowly avoided colliding with the side of their marked vehicle on the Malmesbury roundabout in the early hours of November 21 last year

When they spoke to the driver, they smelt cannabis.

Deyager was arrested on suspicion of drug driving after failing a drugs wipe - testing positive for cannabis and cocaine.

Following Tuesday's hearing PC Luke Hobbs said: “There is never an excuse to drive whilst under the influence of drugs, Deyager’s irresponsible and unlawful actions could have potentially put his own and others’ lives in danger.

“I hope this sentence sends a strong message that we will not tolerate such behaviour and anyone flouting the rules can expect to face tough sanctions.”