AN out-of-control drink driver who ploughed into two parked cars while more than twice the legal limit has been banned from the roads for three years.

Giovanni Bevilacqua, 50, decided to get behind the wheel and drive home after paying a visit to the Skinners Arms pub in Manningtree.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard an argument had broken out between Bevilacqua and his partner at their home in Colchester Road, Ardleigh.

To clear his head and calm down, Bevilacqua decided to go for a drive and ended up at the pub.

Ashley Petchey, prosecuting, said: “At 12.15am the police received a call reporting a road traffic collision in Colchester Road, Lawford.

“There were reports a man had crashed into a wall and sounded drunk.

“Officers arrived a short time later to find a Ford Focus with its front up against a brick wall.

“The PC described the front near-side wheel as damaged.

“The officer smelled liquor and requested a roadside test.

“The same PC identified two vehicles which had been damaged as a result of the collision.”

The court heard the owners of the two parked cars heard the smash from their homes.

Mr Petchey added: “While waiting they saw the defendant try to reverse the car and move away.”

Bevilacqua already has three convictions for driving offences including a drink drive offence in 2014.

A roadside breath test recorded 89 mcgs of alcohol in 100 mls of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Neil Allan, mitigating, said: “Mr Bevilacqua has asked me to apologise on his behalf for finding himself in this position.

“He has been living with his partner, they have been together for the past six years.

“She is visually impaired and registered blind.

“Although she tries to be as independent as she can, she does rely on Mr Bevilacqua quite considerably.

“He had a disagreement with his partner and to calm himself down and he leaves and goes for a drive.

“He didn’t intend to go to the Skinners Arms but that’s where ended up.”

Bevilacqua must complete 60 hours of unpaid work and pay £170 in costs. Magistrates banned him driving for three years and nine months.