A STOLEN Mitsubishi Shogun crashed into a telegraph pole at a Flintshire village and ended up on its side, blocking the road.

It meant wires were hanging dangerously over the road at Lixwm between Mold and Holywell.

It turned out the vehicle had been taken from a farm at Brynford by a man who had gone out for an early walk before his two carers arrived.

He wanted to get home, saw the keys in the vehicle and decided to drive it home even though he had no driving experience.

John Mathew Cullen, 33, could not explain how the accident happened, Flintshire magistrates were told.

Cullen, of Ffordd Walwen in Lixwm, admitted aggravated vehicle taking on March 14 and driving without a licence and insurance.

In view of his personal circumstances he was given a 12 month conditional discharge with £85 costs and a £20 surcharge.

Helen Tench, prosecuting, said the crash had happened at about 9am and police found the vehicle on its side and the road blocked.

A telegraph police was damaged and wires were hanging dangerously over the road.

A man at the scene appeared dazed and confused and mumbled that he had stolen the vehicle.

He became aggressive when told he was being arrested.

Later interviewed, he told how he saw the vehicle with keys in and decided to drive it away.

He had suffered from epilepsy since he was 12.

David Matthews, defending, said his client had severe learning difficulties and was cared for by two carers and by his parents.

He had been encouraged to go for a walk as part of his therapy. That morning, unusually, he was out on his own before his carers arrived and panicked when he realised he had walked to the next village and wanted to go home.

He saw the Mitsubishi, which was used as a farm vehicle only, with the keys in it and took it.

Cullen had no driving skills and the collision occurred.

He became frustrated when told of his arrest, Mr Matthews said.

He added the probation service was unable to offer him any support which he was not already receiving through social services.

Mr Matthews said in such exceptional circumstances he suggested a financial penalty or a discharge would be appropriate.