Chesterfield youth took grandmother’s motability car for a spin after “eight pints of lager”

Thomas Orwin, 19, made the comments after police found him parked “half on the road, half on the pavement diagonally”.

The defendant - driving with a provisional licence - was found on Sycamore Road where he lives after officers were called to reports of a suspicious vehicle at around 3.40am on July 7.

Chesterfield Magistrates Court heard after police approached Orwin in the stationary car he admitted having taken it for a drive without permission and that he had no licence or insurance.

He also admitted having drunk eight pints of lager and when an officer asked if he was Ok he replied: “I would be if I could figure out how to work this car.”

A breath test later showed Orwin was more than twice over the drink-drive limit.

Prosecutor Becky Allsop told the court the car was also damaged - with “scrapes” along its nearside.

However, although another motorist had reported damage to their vehicle there was no proof Orwin was to blame.

His solicitor Karl Meakin told the court how 2021 had been a “traumatic” year for Orwin - recently diagnosed depression and Tourette's syndrome.

Mr Meakin said in January Orwin’s father died and that later his mother had spent time in intensive care, while he had also lost his job at Sainsbury’s and his relationship had ended.

On the night in question Orwin had planned to “take his own life”, he added.

The solicitor said: “Everything that could go wrong for him has gone wrong - somewhere along the line his mental health has deteriorated.”

However he said a mental health team was now supporting Owin with his problems.

Orwin, of Sycamore Road, Hollingwood, admitted drink driving, driving without a licence and uninsured.

He was banned from driving for 24 months, fined £200 and made to pay £85 court costs and a £34 victim surcharge.

A magistrate told him: “I’m happy you’re getting the help you obviously need.”

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