A DRINK-driver who hit a parked car waited by the vehicle until police arrived, a court heard.

Christopher Ross, 35, had been drinking with friends on the evening of June 19 before returning home, where he got into an argument with his girlfriend over the phone.

David Maddison, prosecuting, told Darlington Magistrates' Court: "He collided with a parked car in Deneside Road, in Darlington, at around 1am.

"When police arrived, he gave a full admission and gave a lower breath reading of 104 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millitres of breath, nearly three times the drink-drive limit."

Robert Willoughby, mitigating, said that Ross, of Zetland Street, Darlington, regretted his actions.

"He rang and spoke to his girlfriend and they entered into an argument, said Mr Willoughby. He jumped into his car to go round to sort out their differences.

"He realises now that he should have waited until the morning or phoned for a taxi."

Ross, who pleaded guilty to drink-driving, was given a 12month community order with 80 hours unpaid work.

He was banned from driving for two years and ordered to pay £85 costs.