A man who found out he had failed in becoming a driving instructor went on a drinking binge and was later arrested for drink driving.

Paul Lofts, 39, of Anglesea Road pleaded guilty to drink driving and failing to stop on December 4 at Kingston magistrates court on January 3.

His friend, Daniel Drakeford, 23, of Molesham Way, West Molesey, who was already disqualified from driving, also pleaded guilty to drink driving, driving without insurance, driving otherwise than in accordance than with a licence and possession of cannabis.

Lynne Shepherd, prosecuting, said Drakeford was seen behind the wheel of a red Kia in Surbiton on December 4 and was spoken to by PCSOs who smelt alcohol on his breath.

He gave a positive breath test and told police he had only driven a short distance down the road in Mr Lofts's vehicle.

Later that evening, police saw the red Kia, being driven by Mr Lofts, with no lights on in Vincent Avenue, Surbiton. An officer attempted to stop the vehicle but Mr Lofts sped off.

A breath test later showed he was over the limit.

Mr Middlehurst, defending for Lofts, said he had been having personal problems which had "weighed heavily on him", resulting in the drinking binge.

He said: "Mr Lofts was a driver and had been trying to improve himself by studying to be a driving instructor.

"He had been told 24 hours before he had failed in that endeavour and so brought some drink.

"This incident was the result of Mr Lofts offering to give his friend a driving lesson to show he was good."

Mr Grant, defending for Drakeford, said his client had only been practicing in the vehicle for a short time and, having not actually been seen driving, should be credited for being honest with police.

Drakeford was banned from driving by magistrates on January 3, for three years and fined £335.

Lofts will be sentenced on January 24 after probation reports are completed.