WHEN metalworker Stephen John Couture crashed his Peugeot into another car and then drove off, he left behind one incriminating piece of evidence, a court heard yesterday - his number plate.

Stephanie Brown, prosecuting, told Harrogate magistrates the noise of the crash woke several residents in the town's Queens Road at 3.45am on Saturday.

Police found the car abandoned in St George's Road, and were told that two men had run from it.

At the scene of the collision, police found a number plate, which was used to trace the car's owner - Couture, 19, of West End Avenue.

When they called at his home, he was found in a bedroom, giving the impression that he had just got out of bed.

But clothing was found which matched what witnesses said one of the two men was wearing.

Couture was arrested and tests showed he had drunk more than twice the legal alcohol limit.

Couture pleaded guilty to drink-driving, careless driving, failing to stop after an accident, failing to report an accident and not having insurance.

He told the court: "I know it is serious what I have done, but I have learned my lesson."

Couture was banned from driving for two years, ordered to do 100 hours of community work, pay a £200 fine and costs of £50.