THE owner of a BMW has told magistrates he did a “stupid thing” by driving while more than twice the limit.

Philip John Evans, of Upper Westbrook, Darlington, was located by officers in a neighbour’s house after losing control of his BMW - spinning it into a roadside kerb.

A breath test revealed the 54-year-old had 85 microgrammes in 100 millilitres of breath - the legal limit being 35.

Representing himself, Evans today (September 15) told Newton Aycliffe Magistrates: “I did a stupid thing in a moment of madness.”

The self-employed builder said he had “quite a lot to drink” the night before and was moving his car which was blocking access to the private road he lived on.

He admitted driving while over the legal alcohol limit, driving otherwise in accordance with a licence and driving without insurance.

Evans was fined £300, was disqualified from driving for 20 months and was ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £20 victim surcharge.