An uninsured driver crashed into two parked car then fled the scene - all in front of a off-duty policeman.
University graduate, Vamsi Perabathula, was unaware he'd been spotted by the officer when he hit the vehicles on Chiilingham Road, in Heaton.
A court heard that the constable was waiting at traffic lights when he saw the 23-yearold travelling "at speed" in a Mazda 3 behind him.
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Magistrates were told that Perabathula then struck two parked vehicles then sped-off.
Unfortunately for him, the off-duty officer noted his registration number and passed it on to his colleagues and Perabathula was soon tracked down.
Now, Perabathula, of Simonside Terrace, in Heaton, has been banned from the roads for six months after he pleaded guilty to failing to stop after an accident, careless driving, driving with no insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.
Ben Woodward, prosecuting at Newcastle Magistrates' Court, said the off-duty officer first spotted Perabathula on Chillingham Road on October 22 last year.
He added: "The officer saw the defendant driving behind him at speed.
"As he stopped at traffic lights, he heard a loud bang and saw the defendant had collided with two parked vehicles and left the scene.
"The defendant's vehicle's front end was also damaged. He took the registration number and the car was subsequently located in a alley."
The court heard that police attended Perabathula's address and it was further realised he had no valid UK licence or insurance.
Mr Woodward continued: "It's my understanding that £6,000-worth of damage was caused to one of the vehicles."
Mark Styles, defending, said Perabathula had never been in trouble before and had already paid one of the victims the excess on his insurance claim.
He had also drawn up a payment plan with the victim's insurance company and was reimbursing them.
Mr Styles said: "Mr Perabathula didn't know he was not allowed to drive on an Indian drivers' licence after 12 months in the UK.
"It was a car accident where he lost control. It was the early hours of the morning. Instead of waiting at the scene, his intention was to drive home and he intended to go to the police station the next day."
Perabathula was fined £140 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £34 victim surcharge.
