A MAN drove through a red light on a level crossing -because he desperately needed a toilet.

Magistrates at Newton Aycliffe heard yesterday how the red lights at the level crossing at Heighington, near Darlington, had been flashing for several seconds when 28-year-old Brian Coglan, from North Cottages, School Aycliffe, drove through.

The signalman was lowering the barriers and a train was approaching.

Richard Cowan, prosecuting, said Coglan's car was sufficiently far away for him to brake for the crossing.

However, he speeded up when the lights turned to red and went through just as the barriers were beginning to come down.

When he reached the other side of the crossing, he was forced to divert to the other side of the road to avoid the barrier on the other side, Mr Cowan said.

A letter was read out from Coglan, who did not attend the proceedings.

In the letter, he apologised and said he knew the crossing well and thought he knew how long it took for the barrier to come down.

The letter said: "This was an offence which took place when I was in desperate need of the toilet due to my condition, which is MS.

"I immediately regretted my actions. I've never been in any kind of trouble before."

Magistrates fined Coglan £75 and ordered him to pay £35 costs.

His licence was also endorsed with three penalty points.