A man has been convicted for driving a van while over the alcohol limit and causing damage to a gas pipe.

Robert France, 61, who caused premises to be evacuated was however handed a suspended prison sentence.

Appearing at Oswestry Magistrate’s Court last week he pleaded guilty to driving without van insurance, aggravated taking of vehicle, causing damage to property and driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Kate Price, prosecuting, told the court that James Rowe had lent his white Vauxhall van to his friend, Jodie Hayward, on January 16.

And that Mr Hayward then offered to drive France to West Felton to collect some logs but had to stop on the way to speak to a friend.

He was said to have parked the van and put the keys in the pocket of the door, while France was left inside the vehicle, but he came back to find it was gone.

Later police were called to a collision on Leg Street and found the van on the pavement outside a clothing shop with shop window smashed just as severe damage had been caused.

Passing their judgement, magistrates gave him a custodial sentence of four months, suspended for 12 months and a 7pm-7pm curfew to run for 28 days.

He was also disqualified from driving and ordered to pay compensation of £800 to the owner of the van.