Ian Metcalf crashed his Nissan Almeira into the back of a Ford Fiesta as he was driving through Newbiggin on February 2.

But despite initially stopping at the scene Metcalf soon ran off, fleeing his car and covering his head with a hood so he could not be identified.

And when police tracked him down the next day he claimed his car had been stolen, and the thief must have caused the crash.

Yet Metcalf, 48, was caught when forensic officers found his DNA on the Nissan's airbags, showing he had been in the car at the time of the crash.

Metcalf, of Eslington Mews, Ashington, was arrested and admitted perverting the course of justice when he appeared at Newcastle Crown Court.

He also pleaded guilty to careless driving, failing to stop and failing to report an accident.

Roger Liddle, prosecuting, said the other driver hurt in the crash needed a month off work due to whiplash.

"The Nissan's airbag had been activated," said Mr Liddle, "and it was analysed for DNA.

"This defendant's DNA was found, giving an indication that he was driving at the time of the collision."

Robert Adams, defending, said Metcalf was not drunk at the time, but simply panicked when he crashed.

"No one else ever came under suspicion as to having caused the crash," he said.

"As soon as he made the statement saying the car had been stolen he was arrested for perverting the course of justice.

"The police didn't believe a word he was saying. There is no evidence that he was drunk at the time. He simply panicked."

Mr Recorder Phillips gave Metcalf a six-month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months.

He was also disqualified from driving for two years.