A TAXI driver was involved in a series of minor collisions after agreeing to take two women home from a night out when he had been drinking.

Richard Davidson struck two parked cars, as well as another vehicle he forced to mount the kerb, and collided with an ornamental lamp post and a bollard in the early hours of September 26, last year.

The journey came to an end for his final passenger when the minibus he was driving collided with two sets of railings.

She suffered whiplash and bruising, while Davidson was unsteady on his feet and failed to give police attending the scene an adequate breath specimen.

A positive alcohol reading was given in a subsequent blood sample, which also revealed traces of sleeping pills and an anti-depressant drug.

Police also recovered an extendible baton from the vehicle. Davidson yesterday appeared at Durham Crown Court, where he admitted dangerous driving during the journey between Sedgefield, and Bishop Auckland, County Durham, taking in a stop to drop off the first passenger, in Bishop Middleham, en route.

He also admitted driving with excess alcohol and possession of an offensive weapon, the extendible baton.

But he denied a charge of aggravated vehicle taking, relating to the minibus, which was owned by the taxi operator for whom he worked on a casual basis.

The hearing was adjourned to allow the prosecution to consider whether or not the pleas were acceptable.

Judge Tony Lancaster said the prosecution must inform Davidson's solicitors of the decision within ten days.

If the pleas are accepted, sentence will take place in a fortnight.

Judge Lancaster bailed 56-year-old Davidson, of Newlands Road, Trimdon Station, County Durham, to return to court on April 10.