A CARPENTER who had a lovers’ tiff with his partner at a party was told to pack his bags and leave their home before being caught drink-driving, a court has heard.

It was a police officer who spotted Alan Jones weaving between lanes near junction 17 of the M4 on Sunday, October 30, which aroused his suspicions.

Jones, 36, of Williams Green, Paulton in Bristol, was pulled over and breathalysed which showed he was more than double the drink-drive limit.

Yesterday at Swindon Magistrates’ Court he pleaded guilty to the offence and was disqualified from driving for 17 months. This may be reduced if he goes on a drink-driving rehabilitation course.

Jones’ defence solicitor, Philip Hall, told the hearing that the couple, who have three children, had since patched things up.

He said: “They have reunited and she is supportive of her husband and drove him here today.”

And Mr Hall added of the offence: “Whatever the police man’s view of the manner of driving, he felt safe enough to follow the car for several miles before stopping it.

“It is the last thing my client would have expected and the previous day he had been looking forward to going out to a party with his wife, which is in walking distance.

“Unfortunately an argument broke out between the couple and to defuse the situation he walked home.

“When his wife returned home the argument rekindled and his wife told him to pack his bags and leave. He left with no idea where he would be going or staying that night.

“We know how the journey came to an end. It’s a great pity.”

As well as the driving ban, Jones, who has no previous convictions, was also fined £490.