A DRUNKEN driver who crashed his car into a front garden said he had been forced to swerve to avoid a head-on collision with a stolen car, a court heard yesterday.

Jason Jeffrey Price, 19, of Lowmoor Road, Darlington, pleaded guilty at South Durham Magistrates' Court, in Darlington, to charges of drink-driving, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, and having no insurance.

The court heard that police were called to Whitby Way, Darlington, after receiving reports of a car in the front garden of a house.

When police arrived they reported seeing unemployed Price next to his car and he told them he had been forced off the road by someone driving a stolen car.

Price, a father of one, who lives with his girlfriend, was breathalised after police smelled drink on him and he was arrested after being found to be over the legal alcohol limit, the court heard.

The prosecution said he had been abusive and disruptive in interviews with the police.

Graham Hunsley, mitigating, said: "Mr Price had acquired a van with the idea he could get some work. He had not got himself insurance or a licence yet, but on this particular day at lunchtime he went to see a friend, who had some cans of beer.

"He never thought he would be in a position of having had a drink. He was driving back when what he described as a vehicle being driven in such a manner that he could only imagine it was stolen.

"He took what he thought was the best course of action and swerved to avoid a head-on collision. He swerved into a garden, but there were no pedestrians present.

"Mr Price saw the consequences of staying where he was as being even worse, as there would have been a head-on collision. He gave the account to the police at the roadside and co-operated thereafter.

"He contests that he was abusive or disruptive in interview. He had admitted what he had done was wrong and did not see the point in staying because the police had everything they needed."

Price was remanded on bail and the case was adjourned to September 4 for sentencing.