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Jack Bulmer, 23, of Chatham Road, Hartlepool, pleaded guilty to driving whilst disqualified and without insurance and he also admitted failing to provide a specimen when he was stopped by police.

Lynne Dalton, prosecuting at Teesside Magistrates’ Court, said Bulmer had previously been banned from driving for three years.

The incident happened on September 14 this year, when the young man, who hopes to return to Sunderland University to finish his studies in law, headed off down the A19 towards Middlesbrough with his friend as a passenger in the car.

The case was heard at Teesside Magistrates' Court in Middlesbrough.

A spokesman for the probation service said Bulmer has a cannabis habit and has smoked it for many years.

She said: “He said he was intending to go with his friend to Middlesbrough to get food and meet others for lunch, but his friend’s car was broken.

“He took his parent’s vehicle to transport himself and his friend. He takes full responsibility for his actions.

“His parents were on holiday and he thought he could get away with it. His mam and dad are very disappointed.”

She said Bulmer smokes cannabis for his anxiety and depression and suffers from social anxiety.

The probation officer said: “He has a law degree from the University of Sunderland but due to his habit he does not deem it appropriate to look for employment in his chosen field.

“He has tried to abstain from cannabis but does require medical help.

“There has also been a detrimental impact on his family due to his behaviour, which he realises.

“He is willing to comply; he knows he needs professional help.”

Chris Marley, defending, said what his client had done ‘was utterly stupid’.

He said: “His parents flew back from their holidays abruptly as a result of his utter foolishness.”

Bulmer was handed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months and told to complete 15 rehabilitation days.

He was banned by the court from driving for three years and ordered to pay a £122 surcharge and £40 costs.

Banned motorist spared jail after taking his parent's Mercedes for a drive on the A19 while they were on holiday