A 21 year-old drink-driver from Porthleven who crashed into the front of a house in Helston gave a "massive apology" when he appeared in court today.

An expert had to be called in to make sure the house in Passmore Road, Helston, was structurally safe after extensive damage was caused to it when Luke Charles Hutchins crashed his Audi into it in the early hours.

Truro magistrates heard that fire, ambulance, police, gas and electricity crews, together with the structural engineer, were involved following the incident, which took place on May 1.

The driver was seen to run away. Police were called by a member of the public just after 6am, and officers found him nearby. He was smelling of liquor and admitted being the driver responsible for what had happened. He later tested at 52mcg in breath, 17 points over the limit in breath.

Hutchins, an apprentice based at RNAS Culdrose, and living at Parc an Maen, Porthleven, Helston, pleaded guilty to drink driving.
He had no previous convictions.

Hutchins told the magistrates he was offering “a massive apology”, adding that his insurance company was handling a claim for damage done to 52, Passmore Road.

He was fined £325 with £118 costs and charges and banned from driving for 14 months.