A SERVING paratrooper has said he is glad he “didn’t take anyone’s life” when he ploughed his car into a lamppost after getting behind the wheel while over the legal alcohol limit.

Private Conner Murphy, 20, was found by officers next to his crashed car when they were called out to Circular Road South, Colchester, at around 1am.

A breath test recorded 66 microgrammes of alcohol millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Hendrika Yatam, prosecuting at Colchester Magistrates’ Court, said: “He was arrested and conveyed to the police station.

“The car had left the road and collided with several pieces of roadside furniture, including a lamppost.

“He was initially conveyed to hospital where a blood sample was taken for analysis.

“The defendant has a number of previous convictions for being drunk and disorderly in 2015 and 2016.”

Murphy, a rifleman in in 7 Platoon, 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, based in Colchester, told the court he regretted his actions and labelled himself stupid.

He saidl “I regret doing it.

“I am glad I didn’t take anyone’s life.

“I realise it was a stupid mistake and I am really lost for words. I don’t know what else to say other than it was a stupid mistake.”

A statement read out from his platoon commander said his regiment did not want to lose a soldier of Murphy’s quality.

He said: “He typically works alongside soldiers who are a few years older than him.

“I have discussed the issue with him at length and feel it must be understood he is remorseful and completely understanding of the impact the incident could have had.

“Pte Murphy has a positive attitude to work, he performed well during training and believes the incident to be down to a temporary lack in judgement.

“This role leads to a lot of personal sacrifice for soldiers.”

The crash took place in the early hours of September 12 last year.

Magistrates banned Murphy from the roads for 13 months and ordered him to pay a total of £299 in fines and court costs.