AN 18-year-old who took his mother's car without consent before crashing it told police it didn't matter "because she's got money".

Callum George White, of Little Hulton, Manchester, appeared before South Cumbria Magistrates' Court in Barrow on October 4, charged with aggravated vehicle taking and driving without a licence or insurance.

White had been staying at his mother's house in Lindal when he took the keys to her Alfa Romeo car before crashing in Low Farm Close on May 25.

Mr Lee Dacre, prosecuting, said: "He went into her room and took her spare keys while his mother was at work.

"In his police interview afterwards he said he wouldn't have to pay his mother back because 'she's got money.'"

It was claimed that White caused £6,500 worth of damage to the car, including damage to the headlight, bonnet and driver's door.

The court heard how the car has sentimental value to White's mother because it belonged to her late husband, and was repaired despite initially being written-off by the insurance company.

Mrs Maureen Fawcett, defending, said: "He has been living in Manchester in supported accommodation and suffers from around 10 different disorders.

"His mother accepts he wasn't in a good place when this happened but he's now got the help he needs.

"He's working with special needs children and he wants to help children who have the same disorders as he does.

"He accepts it looks like he wasn't showing remorse that night but that's not true."

White, who previously had a provisional licence, pleaded guilty to the three charges and was disqualified from driving for 18 months.

He was also ordered to undertake an extended driving test before getting a new licence.

White must also carry out 140 hours of unpaid work over 12 months, and pay court costs of £85 and an £85 victim surcharge.