A CONSULTANT’S career is over after he smashed into three cars while being nearly three times over the drink drive limit.

Account manager Sardar Rashid, who worked at Southampton-based firm SRS Simple Recruitment Services, drove after sinking pints and shots at The Gordon Arms, Portswood Road.

As the 39-year-old drove along Alma Road, Bevois, he crashed into three stationary cars, including one with the driver inside, before trying to flee the scene.

The former Cantell pupil was caught by the driver who held him until police arrived to breathalyse him.

Southampton Magistrates’ Court heard that Rashid, who had worked for the recruitment firm for two-years, had spent the afternoon drinking in the pub while watching Manchester City and Arsenal in the League Cup final on February 25.

Prosecutor Dan O’Neill said: “As he was driving on that road at around 7.30pm, he collided with the three vehicles which included a Vauxhall Corsa.

“Rashid attempted to continue to drive but the Corsa driver got out of his car and shouted at him to stop.

“He approached the car and took Rashid out of the car and detained him until police arrived.”

Mr O’Neill added that when Rashid was tested he measured 102mg of alcohol in every 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg.

The court heard that as a result of Rashid losing his licence, the company would no longer employ him as he needed to drive in order to work.

Rashid, who represented himself, said: “It was a stupid mistake and I regret it.

“I’ve lost my job now and I wish I had never done this. I have never done it before and it will not happen again.”

Rashid, of Forster Road, Southampton, was disqualified from driving for 28 months and was given a 12-month community order, which includes the requirement to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and £85 victim surcharge.