A DRINK-driver who caused £4,500 worth of damage when he crashed a car into the living room of a house was jailed yesterday.

Barbara Davis had just left the room in her terraced property in Fulwell Road, Sunderland, to make a cup of tea when Preston Ambler smashed the vehicle into her home.

Ms Davis, who's 34-year-old son, Brian, was also in the house, escaped unhurt.

Ambler, 29, and his passenger Martin Ganley, 31, were jailed yesterday at Newcastle Crown Court.

The court heard Ambler took the car when he saw it being dumped by someone who stole it.

Jane Waugh, prosecuting, told the court how police tried to stop the car after reports it was being driven dangerously but Ambler continued to travel at speed and almost hit a pedestrian.

Miss Waugh told the court: "£4,500 pounds worth of damage was caused to the home of Barbara Davis, who, unfortunately, had no contents insurance."

Ambler and Ganley, who both have previous convictions, tried to run from the crash site but were restrained.

Ambler, of Drury lane, Sunderland, had admitted aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving, driving with excess alcohol and having no insurance at an earlier hearing.

Ganley, 31, of Hendon Valley Court, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking by allowing himself to be carried.

Ambler was jailed for 21 months and disqualified from driving for three years and Ganley was jailed for six months with a 12-month disqualification.