A DRINK driver smashed into barriers and into another car which was waiting for a high tide to subside.

The occupants of a Fiat 500 had parked at The Strood when a red Volkswagen Golf ploughed into the back of the car and shunted the car roughly five metres forward before careering through the barriers.

Charlie Provan got out of the Golf as it slipped towards the edge of the water and tried to get away.

The 22-year-old - who does not have a full driving licence - had taken the car after a friend he had been drinking with in Colchester town centre left his keys on the table.

At a hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court, Raj Joshi, prosecuting, said: “He got out of the car and started walking through the water towards Mersea.

“He was stopped by three members of the coastguard who had been called because the car had entered the water.

“The defendant was drunk and and denied any knowledge of being involved.

“The police looked in the car and found a provisional driving licence in the defendant’s wallet.

“He was arrested and started to struggle with an officer and had to be restrained.

“He was taken to Colchester General Hospital where checks were carried out and he was seen by a doctor.

“The owner of the Golf was contacted and said he had not given permission to take the keys.

“He had been out with him in Colchester and warned him not to drive.

“He realised the defendant had taken the keys from a table in the pub.”

A nearby speed camera had clocked Provan driving at 70mph in an area - more than double the limit of 30mph.

Provan admitted a string of charges - aggravated vehicle taking, driving without a licence or insurance, failing to stop after an accident, obstructing a police officer, driving while unfit through drink and without due care and attention following the incident just after 3am on Sunday, April 30.

Judge Patricia Lynch QC deferred sentencing until April as Provan is set to undertake a 12 week programme relating to mental health issues which she said may affect her decision.

Provan, of Firs Road, West Mersea, was handed an interim driving disqualification until the final sentencing.