A Workington man has been banned from driving after taking a vehicle without consent.

Luke Riach, 18, of Goodman Road, admitted aggravated vehicle taking, driving a vehicle without the right licence and driving without insurance.

The court heard Riach had been at a party and took the Vauxhall Astra on Dora Crescent, belonging to his friend, after he had passed out.

Riach reversed the car into a telephone box, causing £700 worth of damage.

Diane Jackson, prosecuting, said his friend did not want compensation because they had sorted it out between themselves.

Claire Kirkpatrick, defending, said: "Mr Riach is extremely sorry for his behaviour. He has a criminal conviction which may cause him problems in the future."

Riach was given a 12-month driving ban and must also complete 100 hours of unpaid work.

He was ordered to pay £85 costs and an £85 victim's surcharge.

Jeff Forster, presiding magistrate, told Riach, he posed a "considerable risk to the public", by taking the car.

He also told Riach's friends, who were sat in court:"One thing that really irritates us is friends who laugh throughout court proceedings. If you're ever in court again, keep your faces straight."