A BANNED driver was badly injured after crashing, and writing off a £12,500 hire car, Durham Crown Court heard on Friday.

Stephen Walker, 33, who had been tagged shortly after his early release from a prison sentence, had been dashing to get home in a Vauxhall Astra in time to meet his 7pm curfew.

But on emerging from the Blind Lane interchange roundabout, off the A1(M) in Chester-le-Street, the Astra collided with a Transit van that was approaching the junction on the opposite side of the A693 road.

The court was told that Walker had to be cut free by firefighters. He fractured his collar bone and suffered a serious leg injury.

Christopher Dorman O'Gowan, prosecuting, said Walker failed a roadside breath test, but feigned unconsciousness when officers tried to take a blood test at hospital.

He added that the van driver suffered neck and back injuries, cuts and bruises, and a crushed heel.

Two passengers in the Astra, which had been hired by a friend a month earlier, were less seriously injured.

Tom Moran, mitigating, said the pain Walker had suffered every day since the accident was a constant reminder of his recklessness.

Walker, of Northlands, Chester-le-Street, admitted aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and failing to provide a breath specimen.

He was given a 12-month jail sentence by Deputy Circuit Judge Denis Orde.