A dangerous driver who ploughed his car into a city business while drunk in the run-up to Christmas has been warned he faces jail.
Petrit Malo, 37, fled the scene after his Volkswagen Golf left the road and crashed into the offices of Pure Physiotherapy on City Road in Lakenham.
He was found to be almost twice over the limit after being arrested when his car was later found in Cyprus Street following the crash on December 23 last year.
No-one was injured in the crash but the business premises were left wrecked with more than £30,000 worth of damage.
READ MORE: Drunk driver charged after City Road crash in Norwich
Malo, of Kensington Place in Norwich, pleaded guilty at Norwich Crown Court to dangerous driving, drink driving, failing to stop at the scene of the crash and not reporting an accident.
The unemployed father of two girls aged five and one was warned he faces being jailed when he is sentenced on October 14.
Lord Justice Edis told him: “These are very serious offences that carry a prison sentence and you should not think that the sentencing judge may not impose immediate custody.”
Ordering a pre-sentence report, he added: “The judge should be fully informed of the array of options but I am not making you any promises at all. Next time you come to the building you may not be going home again.”
READ MORE: Pure Physiotherapy open new Norwich offices after crash
Danielle O’Donovan, for Malo, said he was remorseful but “recognises the real risk of immediate custody”.
She said he had been battling long-term alcoholism that dated back to the age of 15 while issues with anxiety had made it difficult to engage with support.
Neighbours and the business owners were left shocked after the crash.
Phin Robinson, who founded Pure Physiotherapy in 2006, said he was "absolutely gutted".
The firm has subsequently moved to new offices at Mountergate next to the Premier Inn car park.
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