A SCHOOL bus driver was wrongly arrested for drink driving after a teenager took his car without permission and crashed it.

Jamie Potts was held by police for 12 hours before officers investigating how his Ford Fiesta was abandoned after a crash identified the real culprit - a teenager without a full licence who borrowed it to impress his pals.

At Carlisle’s magistrates’ court, Harry Stobart, 18, admitted five driving offences linked with the July 13 crash.

Pam Ward, prosecuting, outlined how Mr Potts spent an evening at the Black Lion pub in Hethersgill, but went home by taxi because he was drunk.

“It was common practice for Mr Potts to leave his car keys behind the bar - to remove any temptation to drive,” said Mrs Ward.

Shortly before midnight, CCTV cameras in Dacre Road, Hethersgill, recorded the Fiesta crashing into another car. The defendant, who did not hold a full driving licence, was caught on camera running away.

“It transpired he did not hold a full licence and was only licensed to drive tractors and moped,” said Mrs Ward. The teenager did not report the crash.

The vehicle Stobart crashed into was a mobility car, used by a mother whose son has a life-limiting condition. She used the car to take her son to regular hospital appointments.

For Mr Potts, the consequences were also dramatic.

He said: “I was extremely shocked and upset to find myself being arrested on suspicion of offences I didn’t commit, and held in custody for 12 hours. Since the time of my arrest, I’ve had knots in my stomach.”

As a school bus driver in a rural community, he felt his reputation as a responsible driver would be challenged.

Rachel Ottley, for Stobart, who lives in Kirklinton, was so contrite he wrote a letter offering those affected replacement cars, as his family had several available, but lawyers advised against sending it.

“He’s very sorry and upset for what he did and for the impact it had,” said Mrs Ottley. The teenager had battled with social anxiety and depression. When somebody found Mr Potts’ car keys, Stobart stupidly decided to drive the car.

The lawyer added: “Perhaps it was peer pressure; or a belief it would make him popular; or seem to be more cool with his friendship group. But he took a foolish decision to do that.” The teenager was now likely to lose his job as a result of the driving ban.

Magistrates imposed a 12 month driving ban, 280 hours’ unpaid work in the community, 10 rehabilitation activity days, and £70 compensation to Mr Potts. Stobart must also pay £85 costs and a £90 victim surcharge.

He admitted aggravated vehicle taking, failing to stop after an accident, and failing to report it. The defendant - 17 at the time of the crash - also admitted uninsured driving, and having no valid licence.