Son swerves jail after car ‘frolic’

Date published: 28 November 2014


A SHAW man has avoided prison after a “stupid frolic” in his father’s car.

Spencer Morris (24), of Sumner Street, pleaded guilty at Oldham Magistrates Court to taking a vehicle without consent, driving dangerously and without a licence or insurance, as well as failing to stop after an accident and failing to report it.

His father, Mark Farraker, noticed his car had gone from Fenton Street in Shaw and reported it to the police. Morris — who has only a provisional licence — had gone for a drive with two friends.

He pulled out of a junction on Rochdale Road, Shaw and crashed into a car. He didn’t stop and the other driver called police. Eleven days later Morris went to the police.

Defending, Timothy Hughes said: “It was a stupid frolic. He’s apologised profusely to the court and to the driver of the other vehicle.”

Morris was sentenced to 12 weeks jail suspended for 12 months and ordered to pay £300 compensation and £165 in costs. He will be disqualified from driving for 12 months and must do 80 hours’ unpaid work and a “thinking skills” course.