A REPEAT offender promised never to return to court after dodging jail for taking someone else's car for a drive and fleeing from the scene of a crash.

Anthony Thomas was already the subject of a suspended prison sentence for possessing cannabis and cocaine when he had the accident in Stockton.

The 23-year-old faced having the suspended 18-month term activated, and added to by any new punishment for the November driving offences.

But Teesside Crown Court judge, Recorder Eric Elliott, QC, imposed another suspended sentence after Thomas impressed with his efforts to go straight.

The court heard how he voluntarily referred himself to course to improve his behaviour, and has turned his back on previous malevolent influences.

Mr Recorder Elliott said: "You are doing your level best to steer clear of trouble. You are now in a stable relationship with a girl who is expecting.

"I am very impressed you have referred yourself to these programmes, you are doing your best to find work, and you have the support of social services."

Thomas, who has 31 earlier offences on his record, left court after telling the judge: "This will be the last time you see me, Your Honour."

His barrister, Duncan McReddie, told the court that he was nearing the end of the suspended sentence - which was made for two years in February 2014.

Thomas, of Pine Street, Stockton, admitted aggravated vehicle taking, having no insurance, driving without a licence and breaching the suspended sentence.

Prosecutor Jenny Haigh told the court that he crashed the Peugeot 407 belonging to a friend of a friend into the back of another vehicle and fled.

Mr McReddie described it as "an impulsive and stupid act" to help his girlfriend, while Thomas told police he went to the shops to buy cigarettes.