A would-be detective found himself on the wrong side of law after being caught drink driving.
Criminology student Kyle Wilson, 20, was two-and-a-half times the legal limit when police pulled him over after he'd been boozing in Newcastle City Centre.
He's been banned from driving for 20 months and a court has heard the conviction could hamper his career plans.
Paul Kennedy, defending, said: "There are a lot of implications for a silly mistake.
"He wants to be in the police force as a detective - this has been an experience (with the police) but not the right one."
North Tyneside Magistrates' Court heard Wilson had "a couple of drinks" with friends on August 7 before getting behind the wheel.
But police stopped the Volkswagen Polo he was driving after spotting the student making an illegal turn near the Redheugh Bridge.
"That's because his friend wanted a pizza," added his brief.
Police could smell "intoxicating liquor" on Wilson and a breath test revealed 84 microgrammes of alcohol on his breath, the legal limit is 35.
The defendant, of Aycliffe Avenue, Gateshead, pleaded guilty to drink driving on Wednesday.
He was also fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £32 charge.
However, he could legally be on the road again by next Christmas after the three-person bench offered him a course which could see his ban slashed by 20-weeks.
Previously unconvicted Wilson now has a criminal record and chair of the bench Dr Hollioake added: "This is your first and hopefully your last (conviction).
"My advice is for you in the future is to not drink at all if you are driving."
