A CARE worker drove to her boyfriend's house while three times over the drink drive limit.

Laura Hobson, of Drury Street, Darlington, ploughed into a parked car while drink-driving – then panicked and drove off, magistrates at Newton Aycliffe heard.

The 32-year-old admitted drink driving, failing to stop and failing to report an accident when she appeared in court on Thursday.

Alan Davison, prosecuting, said: "She collided with a parked Fiat Punto. A member of the public contacted the police and she was traced to the address where she was in a tearful and remorseful state.

"She had been consuming wine, then took a taxi home and decided to drive to her boyfriend's home thereafter. She didn't stop or try to find the owner of the car she drove into as she was in a panic."

Hobson had no previous convictions, he said.

Nick Woodhouse, in mitigation, said: "On the evening in question she had been out in town and sensibly left her car at home.

"For reasons she doesn't understand, having got home safely, in a taxi, she decided to drive the short distance to her boyfriend's house.

"She accepts she was over the limit but unfortunately she works as a care assistant and drives to clients' houses. It is likely she will lose her employment and she is a single parent with two children to support.

"That decision to drive will have far reaching consequences for Miss Hobson.

She was disqualified from driving for 24 months and ordered to pay a £300 fine, £85 costs, and a £30 victim surcharge.