A TEENAGE machine operator crashed on a Hereford roundabout while showing off in front of his girlfriend, a court has been told.

Paul Wright admitted drink-driving when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford.

Police were called to reports of a crash at the Starting Gate roundabout on the A49 in Hereford on August 21, prosecutor Mark Hambling said.

On arrival, they found a black Ford Fiesta had crashed into the wall of the nearby pub.

Driver Wright approached officers and admitted he had been behind the wheel, and was arrested after failing a roadside breath test.

An evidential breath test in custody revealed he had 80 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

In police interview, Wright said he had been out for the evening and had drunk alcohol, telling officers he had been driving home after dropping a friend off.

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Philip Cornell, for Wright, said the 19-year-old had admitted to police that he had been driving and that he had been stupid when he crashed just before 5am.

"He said he had driven from the College Estate," Mr Cornell said.

"He did have his girlfriend in the car and said he was showing off. On the other side, he had shown remorse and maturity."

The court heard Wright has made arrangements so that he can continue to work in Hereford.

"He is a machine operator and has been there for nine months," Mr Cornell said.

"Hopefully this is a lesson he has learned and will never forget."

Wright, of Dorstone, Herefordshire, was disqualified from driving for 17 months and fined £461. He must also pay costs of £135 and a £184 victim surcharge.

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