A COURT has heard how a drunk 22-year-old wrote off his best friend’s £30,000 car just weeks after passing his theory test.

Father-of-two Connor Hemmings had spent the night drinking with friends in Darlington before deciding to take a Toyota GT86 from his friend of ten years without his permission.

After drinking enough alcohol to put him twice the legal drink-drive limit, Hemmings helped his best friend into bed and decided to drive himself to his home in Rosedale Crescent, Darlington, rather than calling a taxi.

Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday how the 22-year-old warehouse operative crashed his best friend’s car twice on Cleasby View in his attempt to drive home in the early hours of October 27.

John Garside, prosecuting, said: “He’s taken the vehicle and crash into a bus stop and a car parked on the side of the road.

“A witness has seen what’s taken place and challenged him as he got out the car to inspect the damage. He then gets back into the car and drives a short distance before he stops, gets out of the vehicle and runs away.

“He presents himself at the police station a few hours later. In police interview, he said in his own words that he ‘freaked out and took off’.”

Mr Garside read out a victim personal statement on behalf of Hemming’s best friend and owner of the Toyota GT86 who said he felt “betrayed”, however the pair remain friends.

Hemmings pleaded guilty to drink driving, driving without insurance or a licence, aggravated vehicle taking and vehicle damage, and failure to stop after a road accident.

His solicitor, Stephen Andrews, confirmed that that 22-year-old had only recently passed his theory test with the intention of starting driving to spend more time with his two young children.

He said: “He has no previous convictions – not so much as a caution – and this is completely out of character.

“He’s been very low after his long-term relationship broke down and he has two young boys who look up to him.

Mr Andrews added: “It’s an unmitigated disaster."

A probation report was produced ahead of Hemmings' sentencing which noted how the 22-year-old realised he could have caused himself or other road users serious harm.

Hemmings was banned from driving for 18 months and ordered to pay £250 compensation to the owner of the Toyota GT86.

He must also complete 100 hours of unpaid work and pay an £85 victim surcharge.