James Underhill, 18, of Whatlington Road, Battle, was travelling in Catsfield in the early hours of March 14 when the accident happened.

Prosecutor Simon Allen said: "Police received a call saying there had been a crash.

"They went to the scene and found the remains of a bumper with the registration plate still attached.

"They then went to the defendant's address after tracing the owner. He realised the police had arrived and ran out of the back of the house and police gave chase.

"They noticed he smelt of alcohol and arrested him."

A breath test revealed that there was 73 mcg of alcohol in Underhill's breath. The legal limit is 35 so he was just over twice the legal limit.

Mr Allen told Hastings magistrates: "The defendant was very frank with the police officers and said he had been in Brighton drinking.

"When he got back to Battle train station where he parked his car he decided to take a chance and drive.

"He lost control of the vehicle and it span a full circle and collided with a hedge. The defendant was left shaken by this incident.

"He said he panicked when he saw police arrive at his address."

The court heard Underhill, who studies at Bexhill College, has no previous convictions.

He pleaded guilty to one charge of drink driving when he appeared before magistrates on Wednesday.

Russell Parks, defending, said: "The defendant had no intention of driving that evening and intended to stay at a friend's house but changed his mind during drink.

"That single decision has damaged his reputation."

Magistrates banned Underhill from driving for 20 months, fined him £150 and ordered £35 costs.