A drink driver who was reported to police after he was spotted swerving along a road was found behind the wheel of his car after he had crashed it.

Ian Sankamba was discovered in his Fiat 500 after the car had suffered damage to the near side front wheel.

Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court heard how the 44-year-old was more than twice the legal limit when he was roadside breath tested on the A690 in Carville, Durham, earlier this year.

Daniel Hill, prosecuting, said: “He was observed by a member of the public and the defendant was described as swerving on the carriageway.

“The police have arrived and the defendant was still sitting in the car.”

Sankamba, Nevinson Avenue, South Shields, pleaded guilty to driving above the legal limit for alcohol following his arrest just after midnight on Sunday, January 14.

Josh Hart, mitigating, said his client was having marital and employment problems and had travelled to Durham to speak to a friend and have a drink.

He said: “He was in a stable job and he was offered a much better paid job, he left his previous employment and started working in his new job.

“His knew job was a scam and he never paid by them and ended up on benefits.”

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Mr Hart said Sankamba was visiting a friend in Durham to talk about his problems but was unable to get a taxi home after drinking.

He added: “He was visibly upset by his actions when he was in the police station. He made the silly decision; he immediately recognised and acknowledged his mistake.”

Anne Kellitt, chair of the bench, banned Sankamba from driving and ordered him to pay £365 in fines, victim surcharge, and court costs.

She added: “You are remorseful, you recognised what you did was dangerous to yourself and to the public.”

The defendant lost his licence for 23 months after car crash.