Kyran Jones risked the lives of his friends and a promising career in property as he drink-drove to prove his car was faster than a friend’s, a court heard.

Jones, 18, of Fontmell Close, works with Swindon estate agent Richard James and was the face of the company for eight weeks this summer, on a giant advert in Station Approach, Old Town.

He had been drinking with friends at home on the night of July 18, when he decided to prove his BMW Mini was quicker than a friend’s model.

The trainee estate agent, whose position is currently under review, took his 2009 Mini out after two bottles of lager and three vodka cokes, with two friends in the passenger seats.

His attempt to prove the speed of his car came to an end when he hit a curb after coming around a roundabout in Eastbury Way at 10.45pm.

Police breathalysed Jones, who failed the roadside test and registered a reading of 58 microgrammes in 100 millilitres of breath, 23 microgrammes over the legal limit.

Jones said: “This has been the biggest mistake of my life.

“I’m ashamed, embarrassed and fully aware of the impact it is already having on my personal life and career prospects.

“I also know how disappointed my colleagues and employer are in me, particularly as they have invested so much time and effort in training me during my apprenticeship and subsequent employment.

“I made a huge error of judgement and have certainly learned from this mistake.

“If any good is going to come from this then I hope other young drivers take notice and don’t behave as irresponsibly as I did.”

At Swindon Magistrate’s Court Jones was disqualified from driving for 16 months and ordered to pay a fine of £120, prosecution costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £20.

If he attends a drink-drive awareness course before June 5, 2015, his ban will be lifted four months earlier, on August 5, 2015.

Passing sentence, Martyn Cooke, the chairman of the bench, said: "You are here this morning, charged with driving a vehicle with excess alcohol in your body.

“This is a very serious offence.

“You have done one silly thing in going out and driving after drinking.

“Don't be tempted to do it again. You will be caught and you will be back in here, facing a prison sentence.”

Pauline Lambert, prosecuting, said: “Mr Jones accepted it was an act of stupidity.

“He felt he needed to take his car out to show his friends his car was quicker than theirs.”

Mark Glendenning, defending said: “Mr Jones is fully aware he will be disqualified today. “He is a trainee estate agent and he needs a car to go out to various properties.

"This is going to be a very expensive penalty for him.”