A FOOTBALL fan got a suspended jail term after writing off his girlfriend's prized Mercedes by crashing into five cars parked on a Derby street.
Jevgeni Fedorivic, 23, had watched a World Cup game when he took the car to try to find his girlfriend, who had gone out, a court heard.
At 5.15am on June 22, police received a 999 call and found five cars damaged on Woods Lane, Derby. Several people had been woken and were out on the street, said Sanjay Jerath, prosecuting.
Fedorivic was nearby and was suspected of drink-driving. Tests showed he had 61 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – nearly double the limit.
An eight-week prison sentence, suspended for a year, was imposed on Fedorivic, of Farm Street, Derby. He admitted aggravated vehicle taking and drink-driving.
He must carry out 100 hours' community work and he was banned from driving for two years.
The former Lithuanian student arrived in the UK seven years ago and never had a driving licence, Southern Derbyshire magistrates heard.
David Cusack, in mitigation, described the Mercedes car as "the pride and joy" of Fedorivic's partner.
"She is less than impressed with his behaviour. Obviously there have been some words between them but she says he is a hard-working, decent lad.
"No-one else was to blame but himself. He was very apologetic to the police and is apologetic in court.
"He is genuinely remorseful about the difficulties of the people who live in that neighbourhood.
"He wanted to write a letter to them during the currency of the case but things might have been raw.
"He is a polite, respectful and responsible individual. He is really embarrassed and shocked."
Fedorivic had been studying at university in Lithuania but, after the first year, realised he did not have enough money. It was his "grand plan" to come to the UK and earn enough cash to return to Lithuania and complete his studies, added Mr Cusack.
Presiding magistrate Derek Loydall told Fedorivic: "You were very lucky in some respects as the car went out of control and hit five other vehicles. A Mercedes is a big vehicle and you lost control of it.
"If people had been out on the street, it could have been very serious indeed."
Fedorivic must pay £85 prosecution costs and an £80 Government surcharge.
