Rising Albion star Adam Hinshelwood has been banned from the road after crashing while almost twice over the drink-drive limit.

Hinshelwood, 20, was driving to a nightclub with his girlfriend when he lost control on a bend, veered on to the wrong side of the road and smashed into an oncoming car.

Instead of stopping to help the driver, who suffered neck injuries, he drove on to the nightclub where he was arrested.

Defender Hinshelwood, nephew of Albion director of football Martin Hinshelwood, apologised for his behaviour. The club has warned him it will not tolerate any repetition.

Magistrates in Chichester were told he was driving from a pub at the Chichester Gate leisure complex to Thursdays, in nearby Drayton, when he lost control on the B2144 just before midnight on Sunday, January 18.

Nigel Creasy, prosecuting, told the court a witness saw Hinshelwood's car take a corner at speed and career into the path of another vehicle.

Hinshelwood's girlfriend had asked him to drive, realising she was over the drink-drive limit.

When arrested he gave a breath reading of 65. The legal limit is 35.

Hinshelwood, of Lifeboat Way, Selsey, was uninsured.

He was ordered to pay a total of £1,020 in fines and costs, and banned from driving for 16 months.

Hinshelwood's solicitor told magistrates the player drove off after the crash because his girlfriend was shaken and needed a drink.

He said he was on his way out of the club to return to the scene when he was stopped by police.

The court was told another member of their party stayed with the crash victim.

The player's solicitor added: "It was very distressing for all involved and he is very ashamed of how he behaved."

Albion manager Mark McGhee said: "Adam very much regrets what has happened and is truly sorry for any embarrassment he has caused.

"This behaviour was completely out of character and he has been informed the club will not tolerate any future incidents of this nature.

"I hope that after his court appearance Adam will be able to put this unfortunate episode behind him and concentrate on his playing career."

He said it was unlikely the player would have to sit out any matches because of the conviction.

Hinshelwood pleaded guilty to charges of drink-driving, driving without insurance and careless driving.

A charge of failing to stop after an accident was withdrawn.