A VOLUNTEER driver who admitted driving dangerously when he took a girl to an exam was spared jail yesterday.

Colin Stephenson, 55, admitted driving the wrong way along a motorway sliproad on April 26 when he appeared before Darlington magistrates.

David Maddison, prosecuting, said that just after 8am Stephenson was driving along the A1(M) intending to leave at junction 58.

"He missed the turn and took a decision to exit the motorway by the next slipway, which led onto the motorway," said Mr Maddison.

"As he drove up the slip road two vehicles were coming towards him and he collided with one of those vehicles causing damage.

"He was taking a child to school for an exam."

Graham Hunsley, mitigating, said Stephenson had never been in trouble with the police before.

"This was a case where Mr Stephenson allowed his judgement to be swayed by a sense of duty and obligation.

"He was taking someone to school for an exam, so the importance of being there on time was of concern.

"Not wanting to jeopardise her chances with the examination, having missed the turn he took the decision to go back up the sliproad rather than waste time going on.

"He realises now it was a foolish thing to do, but at the time getting his passenger where she needed to be on time seemed the most important thing."

Mr Hunsley added: "I would hope you will take the view that to deprive my client of his liberty at this time of life would be detrimental."

Stephenson, of Pierremont Road, Darlington, was banned from driving for a year, ordered to retake his test before driving again, and fined £284.