A DRINK driver killed a pony and trap rider just 12 days after being convicted of driving dangerously along the same stretch of road.

Oliver Wareham, having sunk five pints and two shots of Jägermeister, struck William Gaskin as he rode down Portsmouth Road, Bursledon.

The fatal crash came less than two weeks after he admitted driving into and damaging a number of road traffic signs on the same road.

Mr Gaskin, 33, was killed by Wareham after his VW Bora Index crashed into him at around 11.30pm on the night of March 26, 2017.

Officers found him to be almost three times over the drink drive limit.

Mr Gaskin, from Worplesdon, near Guildford, died in hospital following the crash.

Wareham pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving while over the alcohol limit.

Appearing at Southampton Crown Court, Wareham spoke to confirm his name, age and his plea.

The court heard that when he got behind the wheel of his car he had  at least 95mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood – the legal limit is 80mg.

In the court a number of police officers were present for Wareham’s protection.

Prosecuting, Matthew Lawson said that Wareham left the scene of the accident in order to not provide a specimen to officers – something Wareham denies.

Discussing the case, His Honour Judge Christopher Parker QC said: “The fact of the matter is this was a very serious accident.

“He had five pints and two Jägermeister and left in a vehicle.

“He left the scene of the accident and deprived officers of testing him.

“On the evidence he had drunk far too much to get behind the wheel of a car.

“It does not take huge brains to realise he should not have been driving.”

On March 14, Wareham admitted driving along Portsmouth Road without due care and attention on November 18, 2016.

At his hearing, Wareham was fined £580 and his licence was endorsed with seven points.

Mr Lawson added: “Twelve days prior, he was sentenced in Southampton Magistrates’ Court for smashing a car at a similar spot on the same road.

“He left the scene again and called officers the next day.”

Wareham first appeared for this charge before magistrates on October 26, where he did not enter a plea.

A pre-sentence report was ordered at the request of Wareham’s defence, however Judge Parker said a custodial sentence would be imposed at his next hearing.

Wareham, 29, of Rownhams Road, Southampton, will be sentenced at Southampton Crown Court on February 16.

An interim disqualification order was made to ensure Wareham does not drive.