A TOP councillor who crashed into a parked car has admitted drink-driving.

Steven Henderson, 55, leader of the Community Representatives party in Harwich, and Tendring councillor responsible for housing, admitted one charge of driving while under the influence of alcohol at Colchester Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard Henderson, of Clayton Road, Ramsey, was driving in Fronks Road, Harwich, on October 9, when he lost control of his Peugeot and collided with a stationary car.

Both cars were written off, magistrates were told.

Tamzin Sharp, prosecuting, said a blood test two-and-a-half hours after the accident showed he had 213mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood – more than twice the legal limit of 80mg.

Richard Conley, mitigating, said Henderson drank infrequently, had no previous convictions and had served his community for many years. He said: “Mr Henderson wishes to express to the court his feelings of utter shame and regret.”

Mr Conley also asked magistrates to take into account the fact Henderson was to defend his seat in local elections this May, and would be short of funds if he lost his allowances by not being able to attend meetings.

Henderson was handed a 12-month community order, ordered to carry out 160 hours of unpaid work, ordered to pay £85 costs and banned from driving for two years.

Bonnie Hill, chairman of the bench, said: “Your offending is serious enough for a community sentence.”