A CARELESS driver who crashed his car in the Lake District later falsely reported the vehicle stolen, a court heard.

William Morgans, 20, was said to have "panicked" when he lied to police following the collision - but came clean within an hour.

Morgans, of Sedgwick Court, Kendal, was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court for criminal conduct on June 24 and 25.

Gerard Rogerson, prosecuting, said this began as the defendant drove an MG vehicle close to the banks of Ullswater.

"At 10pm he lost control of his vehicle and ended up in collision with a dry stone wall by the side of the road," said Mr Rogerson.

Morgans did not immediately report the matter, instead going to a friend's house nearby.

"In fact that crashed car was discovered by a police officer the following morning," said the prosecutor. "He drove past it and noted it embedded somewhat in the dry stone wall and perched rather precariously on top it it."

Mr Rogerson added: "Three hours later he (Morgans) did contact police and he told them that someone had stolen his car."

However, Morgans admitted lying within 45 minutes when pressed by police. "He said he had panicked and accepted he had been driving the car the night before," Mr Rogerson stated.

Morgans admitted careless driving, failing to stop after an accident and perverting the course of justice.

A man of previous good character, he was represented by barrister Kim Whittlestone.

He had studied business for a year before leaving to join "either BAE Systems or the military".

"He is in the process of applying for a position within the military. Of course that may well be impacted given the fact he has pleaded guilty to a serious offence today," said Miss Whittlestone.

"He is an industrious young man. He has made a very, very foolish mistake."

Judge James Adkin ordered Morgans to complete 150 hours' unpaid work, and imposed five penalty points.

"I don't want to pass a sentence which crushes your ambitions for the future," Judge Adkin said.