This story is only available to Hereford Times subscribers. Click here to find out why and how to subscribe for exclusive court stories.

A DRINK-driver "lost control" of his car and crashed into a tree in Hereford before telling witnesses not to call the police and running away from the scene.

Youssef Maklout admitted drink-driving when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford.

Police found him in West Street as he was walking home after the crash in the small hours of May 26 last year and breathalysed him, prosecutor Owen Beale said.

The 27-year-old blew a reading of 107 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

The witnesses, who saw him crash into a tree in a Hereford car park, said they had been told by Maklout "not to call the police".

ALSO READ:

The court heard at the February proceedings that the offence was further aggravated by an "unacceptable standard of driving".

Defence solicitor Chris Read, for Maklout, said the defendant was of "good character" and had since moved away from the Hereford area to live near Doncaster with his partner. He previously lived in Bartestree.

Maklout, of Westmoorland Street, Balby, Doncaster, was disqualified from driving for 16 months and fined £120. He must also pay costs of £135 and a £48 victim surcharge.