AN unemployed Llandeilo man has been given a 16-week prison sentence, suspended for 24 months, after pleading guilty to three driving offences.

Jason Lee Colley, of Heol Myrddin, Ffairfach, was spared jail by Llanelli Magistrates after admitting aggravated vehicle taking without the owner's consent, driving without insurance and without a valid driving licence.

Lesley Harborn prosecuting, told the court that police officers attended a collision on Heol Newydd at 4pm, on September 6, where they discovered Nissan Almera car, driven by the 43-year-old, had been in a collision with a Mercedes E Class estate.

“The passenger in Colley’s car, Andrew Bateman, told police that Colley had tried to overtake another vehicle but there was not enough room,” said Ms Harborn.

“Mr Bateman then heard a bang, Colley lost control of the car – it collided with the Mercedes and then hit an embankment.”

The driver of the Mercedes, Gareth Knowles, told officers at the scene he could hear the sound of an oncoming car revving its engine, and pulled over to a layby in a bid to avoid a collision.

The Nissan Almera then collided with Mr Knowles’ stationary car.

During interview Colley admitted to the police he was driving between 40-45mph in a 20mph zone.

Mr Knowles and his wife both suffered injuries due to the collision.

Defence solicitor Mr O’Connell told the court that at the time of the accident Colley had been living with the owner of the Nissan Almera car and her 18-year-old son.

“On the day in question Colley said that his partner’s son was goading him into an argument," said Mr O'Connell

“He left the house to avoid any confrontation.

“He got into his partners car, which he took without her permission, and drove off at high speed.

"He does realise he made a terrible mistake and is very sorry for what he did.”

Colley, who has a problem with alcohol, was given a roadside breath test which gave at negative reading at the scene.

Magistrates sentenced Colley to 16 weeks in prison, suspended for 24 months with a supervision order.

He was ordered to attend an alcohol activities programme of ten sessions and disqualified from driving for 12 months.

He was also ordered to pay £85 court costs and a victim surcharge of £80.