A DRUNK driver who crashed in to a security hut, injuring two security guards, has been banned from driving for two years.

Oskar Liepnieks, 23, of Buckles Lane, South Ockendon, admitted drink driving, driving without insurance, driving without a licence and failing to stop after an accident.

Basildon Magistrates’ Court heard Liepnieks ploughed into the security office at the New Holland Tractor Plant, in Cranes Farm Road, Basildon while almost three times the drinkdrive limit.

He crashed his Volkswagon Golf into the side of the building at about midnight, on June 23, causing one of the walls to cave in on top of Roy Burton and Steven Jackson, who were on duty at the time.

The pair suffered head and leg injuries and were rushed to Southend Hospital by paramedics.

Liepnieks then drove off and smashed into a roundabout, in Cranes Farm Road.

He then drunkenly drove his car to Cranes Lane, a residential street off Cranes Farm Road, where he was arrested by police.

Chair of the bench, Nigel Smith, banned Liepnieks from driving for 24 months.

He was given the option to attend a drink-drive course to reduce his ban to 18 months.

Liepnieks was also handed a community order, with 80 hours unpaid work, and the requirement to attend a drink-drive impact course.

He was ordered to pay £145 to court.

The tractor plant was forced to demolish the security office after the incident as it was deemed unsafe.

Laura Overall, a spokesman for the tractor plant, said: “We cannot comment on anything that happened at court.

“However, we supported the police in their inquiries.

“We are pleased they were able to prosecute this incident with the support of all parties involved.”