A MAN who crashed his car while more than three times over the limit has been banned for 28 months.

Paul Christie, of Craneshaugh Close, Hexham, appeared at South East Northumberland Magistrates’ Court last Thursday where he pleaded guilty to drink driving.

The court heard that the 42-year-old crashed into a parked car on Dean Street, Hexham, in November last year before getting out and staggering around the street.

Laura Lax, prosecuting, said the crash had caused substantial damage to a Renault Clio, with Christie’s Ford Focus left mounted on the pavement

When questioned by police, Christie said: “It’s me, I have done it. I have been drinking and driving.

“That’s my car and I crashed it. I am really sorry.”

He was given a 12-month community order and fined £150. The driving ban will be reduced by 28 weeks if a driving course is completed.