A who rode a quad bike dangerously through a County Durham village has been given a suspended prison sentence and a driving ban. 

Daniel Atkinson, 26, of Deepdale Street, Hetton-le-Hole, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving when he appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court.

The hearing was told he was caught riding the quad bike dangerously on various roads including including Broom Lane, Station Road and South View in Ushaw Moor on December 15 last year.

Atkinson was handed a 20-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.

As part of his suspended sentence, Atkinson was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work within 12 months.

He was also disqualified from driving for 18 months, with the ban starting on September 30.

Atkinson will have to pass an extended test before he can drive again.

He was also ordered to pay £85 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service and a £154 surcharge.

Get more content including the stories that matter to your community from The Northern Echo for just £5 for 5 month for a limited time only here.

Atkinson was also found guilty of using a motor vehicle without third-party insurance and failing to stop when directed by a police officer.

He had pleaded not guilty to both charges on June 25, but was found guilty on September 30.

No separate penalties were imposed for these offences, and his driving record was endorsed without points.