A careless driver who crashed his car, later lied and said the vehicle had been stolen.

William Morgans, 20, was said to have "panicked" when he falsely reported the theft to police following the collision - but came clean within an hour.

At Carlisle Crown Court, Gerard Rogerson, prosecuting, said the defendant had been driving an MG car near Glenridding, next to Ullswater, last June.

"At 10pm he lost control of his vehicle and ended up in collision with a dry stone wall by the side of the road," said Mr Rogerson.

Morgans did not immediately report the matter, instead going to a friend's house nearby.

"In fact that crashed car was discovered by a police officer the following morning," said the prosecutor.

"He drove past it and noted it embedded somewhat in the dry stone wall and perched rather precariously on top it it."

Mr Rogerson added: "Three hours later he (Morgans) did contact police and he told them someone had stolen his car."

However, Morgans admitted lying within 45 minutes as police caught up with him.

"He said he had panicked and accepted he had been driving the car the night before," Mr Rogerson stated.

Former Keswick School student Morgans admitted careless driving, failing to stop after an accident and perverting the course of justice.

A man of previous good character, he was represented by barrister Kim Whittlestone, who told how he had studied business for a year before leaving to join "either BAE Systems or the military".

"He is in the process of applying for a position within the military. Of course that may well be impacted given the fact he has pleaded guilty to a serious offence today," said Miss Whittlestone.

"He is an industrious young man. He has made a very, very foolish mistake."

Judge James Adkin ordered Morgans, of Sedgwick Court, Kendal, to complete 150 hours' unpaid work, and imposed five penalty points.

"I don't want to pass a sentence which crushes your ambitions for the future," Judge Adkin said.