A DRUNKEN driver who endangered parachutists and a light aircraft crew by driving on to an airfield has been spared jail.

Matthew Wright could have put lives at risk when he steered his Land Rover on to the grass at Shotton Airfield, near Peterlee, County Durham, as a freefall jump was taking place.

But yesterday, a Durham Crown Court judge issued a community order after hearing that Wright had psychiatric problems stemming from brain damage sustained in a car crash.

A previous hearing of the court heard that people at the airfield had to persuade Wright to leave because the parachutists and a plane were due to land.

Prosecutor Jane Mitford said there was “massive potential for a serious incident’’.

Wright had an alcohol level of 127mg in 100ml of breath compared to the limit of 35mg.

The 21-year-old, of Salters Lane, Shotton Colliery, admitted endangering an aircraft, entering an aerodrome without permission and drink-driving.

Jane Waugh, mitigating, said Wright had started psychiatric treatment that was showing early signs of success.

Judge Christopher Prince told Wright he had placed lives in danger and could normally expect a spell in custody.

But he said the brain damage Wright suffered in the 2007 accident led to a personality change and secondary alcohol dependence syndrome. Wright was addressing his problems and cutting down his drinking.

The community order will run for two years and includes requirements to have supervision and psychiatric treatment.

The judge also issued a twoand- a-half year driving ban.

He said official commendations for bravery should be sent to the four people who confronted Wright on the airfield – Paul Moore, Andrew Kalinsky, Andrew Brumby and Trevor Garrett.