A DRUGGED-UP driver took a friend's car and swerved across the road before crashing, a court heard.
Heroin addict Terry Moules, aged 39, took a cocktail of drugs before grabbing the keys of the Ford Fiesta, Plymouth magistrates were told.
The unlicensed driver was spotted swerving across the road and hit a kerb knocking the wheel out of alignment.
His solicitor called it a "moment of madness" and said Moules could not even recall where he was going.
Magistrates jailed him for a total of 16 weeks and banned him from the road for three years.
Moules, staying at the Ship Hostel in Stonehouse, pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking on July 10.
He also admitted driving while unfit through drugs, driving without insurance and otherwise than in accordance with a licence.
Moules finally pleaded guilty to possession of a small amount of heroin upon his arrest and failing to surrender to bail on September 4.
Caroline Gates, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said Moules had been drinking with a friend who fell asleep with his car keys in his pocket.
She added that Moules took the keys and drove off in the Fiesta.
Mrs Gates said a taxi driver called the police after seeing the car swerving across Lipson Road at 2.30am.
The Fiesta hit the kerb and knocked its wheel out of line so it could not drive on, the court heard.
Mrs Gates said that tests found Moules had Valium, cannabis and the heroin substitute methadone in his system.
Roger Page, for Moules, said his friend had crashed out through drink and he took his keys, even though he has never held a driving licence.
He added: "He does not recall the purpose of his journey. It was a moment of madness. He does not really know why it happened."
Mr Page said he had lost the chance of a job at a burger restaurant. The court heard that the car had only been worth £600.
Moules was also asked to pay £180 criminal courts charge and £80 victim surcharge.
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