A MAN who agreed to drive his girlfriend home several hours after drinking at a party was arrested after hitting two parked cars.

Darlington Magistrates’ Court heard today (Tuesday, March 4) that 24-year-old Matthew Davison had been drinking at a party with his girlfriend on February 21.

The pair argued once they returned to his home in Latimer Street, Darlington, and he agreed to drive her back to her own home in the early hours of the morning.

Prosecutor Lorraine Cooper said police spotted the Astra being driven by Davison without its headlights on before crashing into two parked cars on Salters Lane before leaving the scene.

When police arrested him, Davison was 12mg over the legal alcohol limit and he pleaded guilty in court to drink driving and failing to stop after an accident.

Graham Hunsley, mitigating, said the low reading reflected the fact that Davison had not had a drink for several hours before driving and he believed he was legal to do so.

He added that Davison was of previous good character.

Magistrates banned him from driving for 12-months, added six points to his licence and fined him a total of £474 in court costs, fines and charges.