A DRINK driver fled the scene after crashing their car through a garden fence, magistrates heard.

Robert John Allen, 41, was found by police officers three miles from the scene of the crash near Goodrich on December 9.

Allen of Commercial Street, Cinderford, pleaded guilty to drink driving at Hereford Magistrates Court last week.

Peter Beale, prosecuting, said that at 10.50pm on December 9, the occupant of a cottage was disturbed by a noise in their back garden.

When the occupant looked outside they saw that a Toyota Corolla had left the carriageway and crashed through their fence into the garden causing £2,000 worth of damage.

The defendant was seen wandering around and when asked what had happened Allen said he had 'missed the bend'.

The homeowner went to call police and when they returned the defendant had gone.

Police officers found the defendant three miles from the scene walking along an unclassified road.

"He very clearly had been drinking and was asked for a road-side test," said Mr Beale.

Allen told police that he wanted to report his car as stolen and that he had been out with a friend in Hereford.

Allen was arrested and gave an alcohol test reading of 57 microgrammes in 100 milliltres of breath, the legal drink driving limit is 35.

When interviewed Allen said that he couldn't remember what had happened and accepted being the driver.

He said he had been at a friend's house near Hereford since 4.30pm and was driving home when the collision happened. He didn't recall talking to the occupant or why he walked away.

Chris Read, mitigating, said that Allen felt significant time had lapsed since his last alcoholic drink in order for him to drive home.

"What happened is he lost control on a bend and ended up in a garden causing a considerable amount of damage," said Mr Read.

"Allen realised the enormity of what he had just done and spins a fantasy of his car being stolen.

"After taking legal advice he came clean. He is going to lose his job as a HGV driver, the enormity of his actions hit home and he was desperately trying to avoid the consequences."

Magistrates disqualified Allen from driving for 16 months, which could be reduced by four months on completion of a drink driving rehabilitation course.

He was also ordered to pay £135 costs, £110 fine and £30 victim surcharge.