AN aspiring teacher studying maths at Liverpool University has pleaded guilty to drink driving in Darlington.

Thomas Mason, 18, of Neville Road, Darlington, was almost 20mg over the legal alcohol limit when he was breathalysed by officers on Staindrop Road on December 27.

Mason appeared before Darlington Magistrates' Court today (Tuesday, January 14) where solicitor David Dedman said he was frightened and worried about the impact a criminal conviction could have on his future career.

Magistrates banned him from driving for 12-months and ordered him to pay a total of £215 in court fines and charges.