A POLICEMAN who carried on driving after knocking over a schoolboy cyclist has resigned from the force.

PC Kevin Brown, of Durham Constabulary, was convicted of failing to stop after an accident and failing to report an accident.

He denied the charges,while admitting careless driving, but Sunderland magistrates found him guilty after a two-day trial.

He was sentenced to 200 hours' community service and banned from driving for three years.

The court heard he collided with the back of the bike ridden by Kris Newton, 13, of Seaham, in Ryhope Road, Sunderland, in January last year.

The youngster spent six days in hospital and still complains of headaches and being unable to concentrate.

The 38-year-old officer, who lives in Sunderland but was based in Durham City, turned himself in more than 24 hours after the accident and admitted he had been drinking.

PC Brown, whose solicitor said he had an impeccable character and an exemplary police service record, had been in the Durham force for more than 17 years.

A spokesman said: "Following the officer's appearance before Sunderland magistrates on February 22, he voluntarily resigned."