A MAN who wrote off his friend’s car driving over the legal alcohol limit rated himself a nine out of 10 when police asked how intoxicated he was.

Callum Turner, 21, of Harvard Court, Colchester, took the keys to his friend’s Ford Fiesta in the early hours of July 17 this year, following a night out.

Philip Pearson, prosecuting, told Colchester Magistrates’ Court a member of the public notified police at about 5am having seen the car being driven out of control in St Osyth, Clacton.

The car hit a verge and flipped over several times before Turner climbed out of the driver’s side and attempted to run away.

The same witness pursued him to suggest he wait for an ambulance and Turner was later taken to hospital for back injuries, and also consented to a blood sample.

Andrew Young, mitigating, said two weeks before the offence, Turner was forced to stop working as a self-employed delivery assistant because jobs had dried up.

He was also owed £1,800 in wages.

Mr Young said: “He was having a difficult time worrying about his rent and other bills, which includes a loan in relation to his mother’s funeral costs.

“He was also having to financially support his 16-year-old sister who was kicked out of home and he just wanted to go out and have a good time.

“He’s remorseful for what’s happened and was open and honest in his police interview.

No one else was injured at the time of the incident and there were no other passengers in the car.

Mr Young added Turner was “devastated” about what could have happened and was worried about getting a prison sentence.

A strain had been put on his friendship with the car owner as a result.

Turner admitted to aggravated vehicle taking, driving without third party insurance or a licence, and having 98mg of alcohol in his blood. The legal limit is 35.

Magistrates ordered Turner to complete 80 hours of unpaid work. He was disqualified from driving for 12 months and will have penalty points on his licence.

He must also pay £170 in fines and costs.