CLUB patrons gathered in front of a car to stop a man who had been drinking from driving, a court heard yesterday.

Patrons of the Rolling Mills Club, in Darlington, stopped Mark Wardell from leaving the car park on May 7. He had taken his girlfriend's car after an evening drinking in the club.

Cieran Grogan, prosecuting at Darlington Magistrates' Court, said: "He was seen getting into the car and starting it up.

"When police arrived he was stood by the vehicle as witnesses had gathered round itto stop him leaving the car park.

"When he saw the police he threw the keys away and tried to flee, but was arrested.

"He was not compliant when arrested and had to be taken from the van and put in a caged vehicle.

"While at the station he was accused of taking the vehicle without the owner's consent."

Wardell, 28, of North Road, Darlington, admitted drinkdriving at a hearing on June 21, his third conviction for the offence. He had 148 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millitres of blood. The legal limit is 80.

Wardell also pleaded guilty to taking his girlfriend's car without her consent. In September 2008, he was convicted of a similar charge.

Representing himself, Wardell said: "I'm very sorry, it was a really stupid thing to do and I am really ashamed of myself."

He also pleaded guilty to driving without a licence and insurance.

Probation officer Mo Sibert told the court: "His partner has stuck with him through thick and thin and has had to put up with a lot.

"She has told him in no uncertain terms that if he goes to prison for this, then that would be it."

Chairwoman of the bench, Susan Snowden said: "You had turned your life around.

You are a familyman and now you have put your partner through this again."

Wardell was banned from driving for three years and given a 12-month community order with supervision and ordered to do100 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £85 costs.