A WRECKLESS motorist who ran from the scene of a serious accident he caused on a busy North Yorkshire road has been jailed.

York Crown Court heard on Tuesday that Ethan Wells-Smith stole a Mercedes Sprinter van from Darley, Harrogate, and caused a serious crash on the A59 crossroads with the B6451 on January 22.

Whilst drinking two cans of beer behind the wheel and attempting to retrieve his mobile phone from the van’s foot well, Wells-Smith crashed into two vehicles – seriously injuring their drivers and passengers.

Wells-Smith, who was unhurt, then fled he scene of the crash, having made no attempt to call emergency services for help.

Thanks to eagle-eyed witnesses who saw the direction he ran in, officers located and arrested him five minutes later.

Wells-Smith, 23, of Darley, Harrogate, pleaded guilty to drink driving, driving whilst disqualified, causing injury by dangerous driving and aggravated vehicle taking.

He received a two year and six month prison sentence.