A trail of blood led police to a drunk driver who had fled home on foot after crashing his van.

James Anthony Winpenny, 24, had been drinking in the Huntsman Hall pub in Worcester Park on Sunday, October 28. A witness, who had noticed he was drunk, saw him leave the pub and later crash into a safety barrier and traffic signal in his transit van.

At Kingston Magistrates' Court today Winpenny pleaded guilty to one charge of drink driving and another of dangerous driving.

Prosecuting, Abigail Hill said: "Another witness saw a male covered in blood and with head injuries run away from the vehicle. Police followed blood leading into a house where they found the defendant lying on the floor in the toilet covered in blood."

She added that Winpenny had proceeded to lash out at police officers with his fists and legs.

She said: "He smelled strongly of alcohol and his speech was slurred. He also had cuts to the head so police called an ambulance."

When Winpenny was tested for alcohol levels several hours later he was found to be twice over the legal limit for driving.

Defending himself in court Winpenny, who lives in Woodlands Avenue, Worcester Park, said he could not remember anything after leaving the pub. He said: "I never have done anything like this and I never will do again."

Winpenny was disqualified from driving for 20 months, which could be reduced by a quarter if he takes a driver's awareness course. He was also ordered to pay £245 in fines, costs and victim surcharges.