A TEENAGE driver involved in a single-car crash told police he had been trying to kill himself.

Blackburn magistrates heard Sam Clayton had left his friends at the pub and driven off before forming the intention to crash into a wall in a suicide bid.

The court was told Clayton’s car smashed through a hedge and ended up in a ditch on Whitehalgh Lane, Mellor. Clayton, 19, of Mill Lane, Clitheroe, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol. He was fined £80 with £85 costs and £34 victim surcharge and banned from driving for 12 months.

Rachel Ottley, prosecuting, were called to the crash on July 25. The car was in a ditch and when they spoke to Clayton the officers could smell alcohol.

“He told them the crash had been intentional, to cause harm to himself, because of his mental state at the time.

“The defendant was uninjured,” said Ms Ottley.

Clayton, who was not represented, told the court he had been suffering with mental health issues for three years.

He said he was receiving medication to help him deal with depression while studying at university.