A would-be paratrooper is set to have his licence taken away after being found drunk in his parked car.

Timofei Skeats, of Windmill Road, Halstead, was discovered by police parked in the town’s High Street, with his key in the ignition on July 10, smelling of alcohol.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard today Skeats, 21, had just broken up with his girlfriend and had an argument with his mum.

The court heard the Victorian tiler, who also works as a delivery driver, has high hopes of entering the Parachute Regiment later this year and that a driving disqualification would affect that.

Skeats pleaded guilty to being in charge of a motor vehicle while over the alcohol limit.

Chairman of the bench Helen Parr put ten points on his driving licence, which will result in the DVLA insisting he take another driving test thanks to new laws for new drivers which have just come in.

She also imposed a £240 fine, £85 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

She said: “You have no previous convictions.

“We are imposing 10 penalty points and not a disqualification from driving.

“Because you are a new driver, the DVLA will be writing to you to insist you take your test again.”