A Carshalton resident has been banned from driving for three years after he walked away from a car crash in Sutton.

Tamer Selim, from St Albans Road, was found to be two-and-half times the drink drive limit when he left the scene of an accident in Brighton Road on August 28.

The 29-year-old had a reading of 80mg/100ml of breath - the legal limit is 35mg/100ml.

At a court hearing at Sutton Magistrates’ Court on Friday (September 10), Mr Selim said: “I was very stupid and it was regrettable. I am self-employed and carry a lot of tools so I will have to use public transport.”

The self-emplyed tradesman’s original 42 month ban was reduced to 36 months after he agreed to complete a drink-driving rehabilitation course which, incidentally, will cost him £150.

Mr Selim was handed such a heavy punishment because he committed a driving offence in 2003. A court order from that case stated he must not reoffend for 10 years or he would receive a three year ban.

He must also pay £600 in fine and court costs which he agreed to pay in monthly instalments of £50.