A young driver who crashed into another vehicle in the early hours was found to be over the legal drink-drive limit.

Student Finlay Carver smelt of alcohol when police arrived at the scene of the crash near Ashford in Stocks Road, Wittersham, but was taken to hospital to get checked over after the smash.

After giving a urine sample, the 20-year-old from East Sussex produced a reading of 143 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of urine. The legal limit is 107.

Carver, of New England Lane in Rye, was later charged with drink-driving and admitted the offence when he appeared at Folkestone Magistrates' Court yesterday.

The court heard Carver, who is a student at Leeds University, was only taken to hospital as a precaution and did not suffer any injuries.

No details were given in court about the other driver and District Judge Justin Barron heard the crash happened at about 4am on July 31 last year.

The hearing was also told Carver - who insisted he was remorseful - was not a habitual drinker and had watched his intake while attending a function the previous day.

Judge Barron said Carver had put others at risk by getting behind the wheel that morning, but accepted he had made a mistake and was of previous good character.

Carver was banned from driving for a year, fined £120 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £48, along with £85 in costs.

If he completes a drink-driving course, his ban will be reduced by three months.