A DRINK driver who crashed his BMW has been handed an 18 month driving ban.

Ryan Baverstock ran from the scene of the crash on the roundabout at Queens Drive and Drakes Way on Sunday, June 2, after pleading with the occupants of the black Audi into which he had crashed not to call the police.

Police caught up with the 20-year-old, of Bowleymead, Eldene, a short time later – as he was picked up by his mum.

A breathalyser test found he was almost twice over the drink drive limit, with 68 microgrammes of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Defending, Emma Thacker said her client had confessed to drink driving and making off from the scene when he was interviewed by police. He told officers his car had clipped the kerb, making him lose control. “Everything happened so quickly,” he said in a prepared statement. He was in shock and his legs felt like they were burning. Accepting he was in the wrong, Baverstock said: “I am sorry for what happened and I am pleased no one was injured.”

The young man had had three drinks the night before and, early the next morning, was called by a friend asking for a pick-up from the town centre. Ms Thacker said: “He has made a particularly silly judgement call on that day and agreed to go and collect his friend.”

As a result of the incident he had lost his white BMW, described by his solicitor as the young man’s “pride and joy”.

Magistrates ordered Baverstock to do 80 hours of unpaid work, banned him from driving for 18 months and fined him £120. He must also pay £170 in costs and victim surcharge.