DRIVING the wrong way down a one-way street and smashing into an oncoming van following a heated argument with his ex-partner landed an Isle of Wight man in court.

Richard Barron, of East Hill Road, Ryde, admitted aggravated vehicle taking and driving without a licence or insurance at the Isle of Wight Crown Court today (Thursday).

Kaj Scarsbrook, prosecuting, said Barron, 33, had taken his ex-partner's car without permission after arguing with him on August 8 last year.

He then drove the car the wrong way down Lind Street, Ryde, crashed head-on with a van and hit a wall, the court heard.

Mr Scarsbrook said the driver and passenger of the van suffered back pain and bruising and the van was left seriously damaged.

The defendant had to be extracted from his ex-partner's Ford Fiesta by the fire service.

For Barron, Adam Norris said the defendant, a former drug addict, had made serious changes to his life after serving a prison sentence five years ago.

Following his release, Barron had won a place at Portsmouth University and worked in prisons to help inmates.

The court heard Barron suffered with mental health problems, but was now clean from drugs and attending a behavioural therapy course.

Barron was described as apologetic to those involved in the incident and thankful nothing worse had happened.

Judge Roger Hetherington said the defendant had taken steps to choose a better path in life, and would benefit from the support of the probation service.

Barron was sentenced to an 18-month community order, disqualified from driving for 18 months and fined £1,000.