A MAN who clung to a car bonnet wearing just a pair of shorts – as it sped along at more than 50mph – did so as part of a NekNomination challenge, a court was told.

John McMeekin downed a can of John Smiths before gripping the windscreen wipers of his friend’s car in Bishop Auckland, County Durham.

Mobile phone footage of the stunt shows a car journey of roughly 30 seconds, reaching a top speed of 52mph, filmed from within the vehicle.

At the end of the ride, 44-year-old McMeekin downs a second can of John Smiths before nominating two other people to do a NekNomination dare.

Defence solicitor Robin Ford told Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court: “This was stupid and ridiculous and it is only by the grace of God that he did not slide off the bonnet.

“He knows that what he did is stupid. The NekNomination craze was going round and people were doing things which they regretted afterwards.”

McMeekin, of Park Avenue, Coundon Gate, near to Bishop Auckland, pleaded guilty in court today (Tuesday, January 27) to a charge of causing danger to road users.

He was given a 12-month conditional discharge and will pay court costs of £85 and a £15 victim surcharge.