A Carlisle man has appeared in court after he took his dad’s car without permission.
Patrick Campbell, 25, admitted five offences after an incident in the early hours of April 13.
The previous afternoon, Campbell’s dad had left a Kia Sportage he had bought last year for £6,800, locked and immobilised, with the keys inside his house.
The keys were still there when he went to bed at 11pm. But at 5.25am he was woken up by two police officers who told him his car had been taken, and found crashed and burned out.
His son was not at home. Hours later, Campbell attended at the front counter of a police station. He was clearly injured, Carlisle Magistrates’ Court heard, was holding his side and appeared to be in general discomfort.
Campbell, of Orton Road, was charged. And in court he admitted careless driving in the area of Thornby village, near Thursby; aggravated vehicle taking; no insurance; driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence; and failing to stop after an accident.
After hearing mitigation, magistrates imposed an 18-month community order. This comprises a rehabilitation requirement and 200 hours’ unpaid work. Campbell must also complete an 18-month driving ban and pay £6,495 compensation.
