A MAN who crashed a car just a day after being disqualified has avoided prison.

Jake Morson was arrested when police officers discovered he had no insurance and was disqualified after crashing into a ditch in Witton Gilbert on July 20.

The 20-year-old, of Simpson Street, Stanley, pleaded guilty to charges of driving while disqualified, having no insurance and breaching his bail after not turning up to answer the charges last month.

Alan Davison, prosecuting, told Newton Aycliffe Magistrates yesterday how Morson crashed the Toyota Yarris at about 1.15pm after arguing with his girlfriend, who was a passenger in the car.

Mr Davison said police attending the incident carried out checks on the car which revealed Morson had been disqualified the day before but he made "full admissions in interview".

Rory Todd, mitigating, said his client has mental health issues including self harming.

Hilary Payne, of the probation service, confirmed Morson had not had a good upbringing.

After splitting with his girlfriend she also said he would have accommodation issues needed help with his mental health and debts.

Magistrate Mark O'Neill sentenced him to eight weeks in prison suspended, for 12 months, and ordered him to compete 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days as well as disqualifying him for a year, giving him eight penalty points for no insurance and ordering him to pay £115 victim surcharge.