A driver who injured himself and three workmates in a crash driving home from the pub has escaped jail.

Ian Greenow, 29, of Stonefield Road, Hastings, has been banned from driving for two years and ordered to do 150 hours community service.

He was told by a judge at Hove Crown Court that if he got behind the wheel of any vehicle in the next two years, he would be automatically sent to prison.

Recorder Mr Richard Ainley said he had only escaped a prison sentence because the offence happened more than two years ago and the delay in the case coming before the courts was not Greenow's fault.

The court heard Greenow and a group of workmates, working for Rye-based firm Kenton Utilities, decided to take the flat-bed truck they had been using for work home from the pub.

Marcus Fletcher, prosecuting, said the vehicle was only insured for work purposes and no one was allowed to drive outside working hours. A notice in the cab stipulated that.

Greenow, who worked as a fitter, crashed the vehicle into the supports of the railway bridge in Braybrooke Road, Hastings, on March 26, 2000. He was trapped and had to be freed by firemen.

He was taken to the Conquest Hospital, Hastings, where he refused to take a breath test. He told police he had swerved to avoid another vehicle.

Greenow pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking, driving with no insurance and failing to provide a breath test.

Neil Mercer, defending, said Greenow decided to drive his workmates home because he had had least to drink. He had drunk between two and three pints.

Mr Ainley told Greenow: "People like you must be deterred from driving because you are a great danger to the public."