A MAN has appeared at court after being involved in a car crash and driving off from the scene.

Christopher William Hogg, a provisional driving license holder at the time, was driving a Vauxhall van when he pulled over to allow a police car to pass and collided with another vehicle.

Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court heard that Mr Hogg made off from the scene but was followed by the driver of the other vehicle.

Rachel Butt, prosecuting, said: "[The driver] pursued Mr Hogg who eventually pulled over and got out of the car with another man.

"The driver said Mr Hogg was quite threatening towards him, shouting at him saying 'don't you report this to the police, we will f*****g sort it ourselves, we will fix your car it's what we do.'"

The victim said in a statement: "This has had a financial impact on me, my car was written off and the excess cost £400. My granddaughter was in the car at the time and she has been suffering nightmares since."

Hogg, of Jack Lawson Terrace, Wheatley Hill, pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence, driving without insurance and failing to give his name and address after a road accident on June 7.

The 37-year-old represented himself in court and gave no mitigation.

He was given eight penalty points on his licence and fined £180. He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and £34 victim surcharge.