A pensioner faces prison after taking his son's work van without permission and crashing it.

James Schofield, of Douglas Road, Tendring, drove the Ford Transit to a garage because he wanted to buy cigarettes, a court heard.

The 67-year-old, who is registered disabled and walks with the aid of two crutches, caused damage to a telegraph pole, a car wash control panel and another vehicle.

He admitted aggravated vehicle taking, causing the damage, and driving with no insurance when he appeared at Colchester Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Schofield admitted he had taken his son's work van without permission so he could buy cigarettes.

The pensioner also admitted breaching a year-long conditional discharge, which he was given in November last year. Magistrates adjourned for pre-sentence reports, warning that all options, including custody, would be looked at.

They released Schofield on unconditional bail and put an interim driving ban in place.

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Published Wednesday, September 21, 2005

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