Ban for 12-pints speeding driver

A court has heard how a man crashed into a lamp post while driving at 80mph in a 30mph zone after drinking 12 pints and rowing with his girlfriend.

Steven Abbey, 27, from North Park in Billingham, Teesside, then walked home bleeding heavily before collapsing.

His lawyer told Teesside Crown Court on Monday how he had drunk 12 pints of lager but passed a breath-test.

Abbey pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, was banned for two years and ordered to do 150 hours of unpaid work.

He must pass an extended test before driving again.

A police traffic expert reported the car was travelling at 75-81mph in the 30mph area before it hit the lamp post in Marsh House Avenue, Billingham.

Judge Peter Bowers told Abbey: "The greatest danger you posed that night was to yourself.

"It was almost suicidal."