A DRIVER who ran off after crashing into a lamp post and claimed his car had been stolen has been given a suspended prison sentence.

David Anthony Heald, 29, may have been drinking before he drove at speed along the A659 from its junction with the A64 towards Tadcaster, Judge Robert Bartfield said.

Ben Campbell prosecuting, said the BMW "fish tailed" as it accelerated sharply, lost control and hit the roadside furniture which had to be replaced at a cost of £550.

Eight hours later, he told police the car had been stolen when it had not.

"You were enjoying a high speed drive in this high power vehicle," the judge told Heald. "I have seen your explanation (why Heald ran off). You would be better employed writing fiction than you are in your present employment.

"I think you had been drinking and that is why you ran off. There has to be some reason why you ran off from the crash. Your driving was irresponsible and just short of dangerous. I am afraid you have only yourself to blame."

He banned Heald for six months and gave him a six-month prison sentence suspended for two years on condition Heald does 150 hours' unpaid work. He must also pay £900 prosecution costs.

Heald, of Britton Abbey Cottages, York Road, Steeton, near Tadcaster, pleaded guilty to careless driving, perverting the course of justice and failure to report an accident.

Defence solicitor Timothy Jacobs said a driving ban would cost him his job as a delivery driver. It was a "stupid lie" that he had told police and he was ashamed of it. He would not repeat his mistake.

Mr Campbell said an angler parked his car near the lamp post and prepared to sleep in it so he could go fishing early the next morning. At 2am on August 10, he heard screeching brakes and a loud bang. He saw the BMW driver get out of his car and he got out of his car but when Heald saw him, he turned and ran away.

Police searched the area but didn't find Heald. His partner turned up an hour later also looking for him. Police went to Heald's house at 3.30am, but the house was dark.

Heald was traced because he left his DNA on the driver's airbag which inflated in the crash.