A MAN who stole his friend’s Mercedes and crashed it into trees after trying to drive home while over the drink-drive limit and smoking cannabis has been handed a 16-week suspended jail sentence.

Worcester magistrates were told that after crashing the vehicle, driver Ian Weareing appeared to be looking for something in the wreck and told a witness: “I’m looking for my spliff’.

Weareing, aged 34, admitted drink-driving, taking the car without consent, driving without insurance and causing property damage on Sunday, August 3 last year.

Prosecutor Clare Linehan told the court residents in Madresfield Road, Malvern, heard a crash at about 1am and went outside to see a Mercedes ML270 in the middle of the road after apparently crashing into at least two trees.

“There was extensive damage to the car and it was abandoned on the middle of the road,” she said. “The rear axle and two wheels were missing. A witness went to the car and saw a man who seemed to be leaning over looking for something.

“He asked him if he was ok and he said ‘yes mate, I’m looking for my spliff ’.”

Andy Ford, defending, said jobless Weareing, of Oldbury Road, St John’s, had been staying with a friend in Malvern, but took his friend’s car without permission.

“He has a criminal record, all connected to alcohol and substance abuse,” he said.

“The offence is something Mr Weareing has no recollection of. But he has demonstrated a significant amount of remorse and responsibility.

“He has sent a letter of apology to the owner of the vehicle.

They have been friends for some 22 years and he hoped he might be able to rekindle this friendship.”

Mr Ford said the incident was the result of “poor decision making” on Weareing’s part, but he was keen to undertake unpaid work to get back into a routine which would help him find a job.

He claimed Weareing has been diagnosed with a personality disorder.

Handing Weareing a 16-week jail term, suspended for 18 months, plus an 18-month supervision order including 60 hours of unpaid work and a requirement to undergo drug and alcohol treatment, District Judge Nigel Cadbury said it was fortunate no one was hurt in the crash.

Weareing was banned from driving for 18 months and must pay £160 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.