A MOTORIST more than twice over the legal drink drive limit had a passenger in his car when he hit another vehicle, a court heard.

Hamilton Chiwaya, 18, who gave his address in court as Westgate, Thirsk, appeared before Darlington Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday, December 6) and pleaded guilty to driving without a licence and insurance and while over the drink drive limit.

Prosecuting, Blair Martin said that Chiwaya was driving along Westgarth Terrace in Darlington on November 3 and was talking to his passenger when he hit another vehicle, damaging its bumper, wing mirror and scratching its door.

Mr Martin said that when police arrived at the scene, Chiwaya was abusive towards them and had an alcohol reading of 87mg in his breath – the legal limit for driving is 35mg.

The court heard that Chiwaya, who has previous convictions, had moved to England from Malawi but had difficulties getting on with his father who serves in the Armed Forces and has a new wife and baby.

District Judge Kristina Harrison banned Chiwaya from driving for 18-months and imposed a 12-month supervision order.

She told him: “Your father has got a young child and wife suffering from depression.

“It is a time when he could have done with the help and support of his son rather than committing crimes.

“As far as I can see you both need help rather than punishment over this.”