AN UNINSURED and unlicensed driver who used his partner's van without her permission came "within a whisker" of being sent to jail.

Steven Dunn got in his partner's Vauxhall Vivaro, without her knowledge, and crashed it into a BMW while it was parked in a supermarket car park on September 14.

He drove away, leaving a note with a nine digit telephone number.

But he was caught after a witness to the crash gave the vehicle's registration number to the police.

Officers were later told by Dunn's girlfriend that he did not have permission to use the van.

Appearing at Southampton Magistrates' Court yesterday, Dunn pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking, driving without a licence and driving without insurance.

Prosecutor Liam Hunter told the court the incident happened on September 14 last year, at Sainsbury's car park in Lordshill, Southampton.

He said how Dunn crashed into a parked BMW, causing damage to both vehicles.

Mr Hunter said: "He left a note on the BMW, which was one digit short.

"But a witness noted down the registration and police later spoke to him.

"Mr Dunn's girlfriend stated that she did not give him permission to use the vehicle."

Mr Dunn, representing himself, apologised for the incident and ensured magistrates he would not drive again, as he did not currently have access to the van.

He added that he had recently started a new job, working in light fitting, and was helping to provide for his girlfriend and her two children.

Magistrates, who discussed the possibility of jailing Dunn, said the 43-year-old "came within a whisker" of being sent to jail.

Magistrates opted to impose an eight week sentence on the 43-year-old, which they suspended for 12 months.

Dunn, of Menzies Close, Southampton, was also ordered to pay £300 in compensation to the van owner, his girlfriend, and complete 100 hours of unpaid work.