A FATHER-OF-TWO who crashed into a parked van while banned from driving has been jailed for 12 weeks.
Mark Hunter, of Tyne Crescent, Darlington, appeared before magistrates in the town on Tuesday (June 4).
The 34-year-old mechanic crashed a Vauxhall Astra into a van belonging to Northgate Vehicle Hire, in Meynell Road, on December 11 last year.
Prosecutor Lynne Dalton said Hunter was nearing the end of a disqualification for drink-driving at the time of the offence.
She said he gave his father’s name and insurance details in the aftermath of the crash, before later returning and giving the correct information.
Graham Hunsley, mitigating, said the road was icy at the time of the crash.
He said Hunter, who has lost his job as a result, was aware he had made a “gross misjudgement” in choosing to drive while disqualified.
He admitted driving while disqualified, driving without insurance and failing to stop after an accident.
As well as the jail term, he was banned from driving for 12 months.
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