A TROUBLED 28-year-old is “extremely lucky” to have avoided an immediate jail sentence after pleading guilty to possession of drugs and an assault, amongst a raft of driving offences.

Adam Mackay, of Smithy Lane, Darlington, caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to two parked cars after taking to the wheel of his Peugeot 206 following an argument with his grandmother.

The uninsured driver fled the scene of the crash shortly after 11pm on Thursday, July 14, before Willow Road East residents chased Mackay who eventually returned to the street and punched a man in the face.

Mackay had struck the man on his right cheek, however residents were able to push the 28-year-old to the ground before police escorted him to Darlington Police Station.

Prosecutor David Lee told Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, September 22, that Mackay – who struggles with alcohol issues – had refused to give officers a specimen of breath following the incident.

Twenty two strong pain relief Tramadol tablets were also found in Mackay’s possession.

Amrit Jandoo, mitigating for Mackay, said: “He’s deeply remorseful for his actions – he’s been overburdened with stress recently.

“He wants to make efforts to find employment again, but he knows he needs help with some issues in his life.

“He needs help with alcohol and decision making. When he gets stressed, he gets angry and when he gets angry, he drinks. He’s concerned about his position now.”

Chairman of the bench, Colin Beadle, added: “It’s a pity he wasn’t concerned about his position when he drove the motor vehicle and assaulted the gentleman.”

Repair costs to fix a Volkswagen Golf that Mackay had crashed into totalled £2,238, alongside extensive damage caused to a Ford Transit van to an unknown value.

Mackay was ordered to pay compensation to both owners, however magistrates were only able to award a maximum of £350 each to the pair as Mackay is an uninsured driver.

Mr Beadle told Mackay: “There are a number of offences here, namely the failure to stop and report the crash, the failure to provide the specimen of breath and the assault, that take this over the custody threshold.

“It’s an extremely serious series of offences and you can think yourself extremely lucky that you’re not going to prison forthwith.”

Mackay received a five month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months, and was banned from driving for five years.

He was also ordered to pay £200 compensation to his assault victim, as well as £85 court costs and a £115 victim surcharge.

Mackay will also wear an electronic tag for six months.