A TEENAGE driver who ploughed into a wall, stopping just inches from people’s front doors, was two times over the drink drive limit – and he didn’t even have a licence.

Connor Mears was behind the wheel of the Vauxhall Astra that left a trail of destruction as it went crashing into cars and a wall in a Southampton street.

Residents watched in horror as “flying bricks” exploded into the air, smashing through windows, and the car skidded on its side.

As previously reported, the black car crashed into the wall in King George’s Avenue, Shirley, ending up on its side on a driveway, leaving one of the passengers trapped inside.

Southampton Magistrates’ Court heard the car was travelling towards Millbrook Road East when it collided with a Ford Fiesta and later a Nissan Micra, before crashing into and destroying a wall.

Sital Mond, prosecuting, said: “Flying bricks exploded all over the front garden, causing a large double-glazed window to smash and causing damage to a wall above the window. The Ford Fiesta was also damaged by the flying bricks.”

Fire crews from Redbridge and St Mary’s stations were called to the scene on September 7 to free the man trapped inside the car.

He was taken to Southampton General Hospital, but his injuries were not serious.

The court heard 18-year-old Mears, who is in the Army, was very sorry for the incident but claimed it occurred after he swerved to avoid another car.

Mitigating, Rosemary Nand said: “A car was coming towards him in the road and he veered away from it. That is how the incident occurred and the other car drove off.”

She added Mears made a “huge mistake” when driving the car after drinking and with only a provisional licence.

Miss Nand said: “This incident is completely out of character.

He says his actions were a huge mistake and he feels terrible, and if he could go back and change things he would. He is extremely thankful that nothing worse happened.

“He realises his actions have brought both himself and the Army into disrepute. It was stupid and foolish and his career is in jeopardy as a result.”

Mears, of Oakley Road, was banned from driving for 22 months after admitting drinkdriving, driving without a licence and driving without insurance.

He was also fined £580 and could face civil suits from the owners of the cars and home damaged.

The court also heard Mears could face further punishment from the Army.