A YOUNG car thief did not get far after taking a Peugeot while under the influence of drink, a court heard.

Gavin William Wilkinson earlier spoke to the householder, who recognised him as a not too distant neighbour, as he loitered near her home, with two other young men, on September 1.

Durham Crown Court heard that Wilkinson requested a drink and made small-talk, asking how long she had lived at the house, in Fencehouses, near Chester-le-Street.

Robin Turton, prosecuting, said after she left to go out late that afternoon, Wilkinson shinned a drainpipe to gain access to the property in Morton Crescent via an open upstairs window.

He took the keys to two cars and a bottle of liquer, before smashing a window in the adjoining garage and driving off in a Peugeot 206 Gti.

But, Mr Turton said his subsequent journey was brief, as the Peugeot collided with a stationary car in Morton Crescent.

When Wilkinson was questioned by police he gave false details and provided a breath test reading of 48mg of alcohol, compared to the legal limit of 35 for driving.

Mr Turton said the defendant was also in possession of a hammer and on arrest resisted the officers.

Wilkinson, 24, of Ewehill Terrace, Fencehouses, admitted burglary, aggravated vehicle taking, driving with excess alcohol, without insurance, possession of an offensive weapon and resisting a police constable.

Tony Davis, mitigating, said it reflected Wilkinson’s “feckless lifestyle” at the time, and came not long after his release from a short prison sentence.

Jailing him for two years, Judge Christopher Prince also imposed a two year driving ban on Wilkinson.