An unlicensed driver left a friend seriously injured in a car after he crashed through a metal fence and into a chalet at about 70mph.

Steven Ellis walked away with minor injuries from the Ford Ka owned by his friend, Daniel Clark.

He was arrested about half a mile away in Minster.

Mr Clark, meanwhile, became aggressive when offered help. He managed to crawl from the passenger seat to get out through the driver’s door.

He started to stagger off but did not get far because he was so badly hurt.

He was taken to a London hospital, where he was detained for three weeks after being resuscitated and operated on for a fractured skull and broken arm.

Daniel Stephenson, defending, submitted that as Mr Clark had urged Ellis to put his foot down shortly before the crash in Marine Parade, Sheerness, he was partly responsible and a suspended sentence could be imposed.

But the judge said the matter was far too serious and jailed Ellis for two years.

Maidstone Crown Court heard the two friends had drunk two crates of beer before they decided to go for a drive in the early hours of July 31 last year.

Mr Clark was at the wheel at first and then 32-year-old Ellis took over.

But he crashed through the 7ft high gate of the Catamaran Yacht Club in a 30mph zone and into the side of a chalet used for storing items, causing damage costing £4,500.

Police officers found Ellis, also known as Thomas, walking along the sea wall. He failed a roadside breath test, but a later blood test put him under the limit.

He had a previous conviction for drink-driving as well as burglary and aggravated vehicle taking.

“The accident was caused by excess speed and losing control,” said Prosecutor Mary Jacobson.

“He thought he was doing about 70mph. He said the passenger told him to put his foot down. That’s what he did."

"The accident was caused by excess speed and losing control" - prosecutor Mary Jacobson

Ellis, formerly of Southdown Road, Sheerness, admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

He was not prosecuted for not having a licence or insurance. He was also banned from driving for three years.

Daniel Stephenson, defending, said Ellis, who has since moved to Southampton, began drinking heavily after losing two children, one dying after being born prematurely and the other from cot death.

“A significant tragedy occurred which knocked him for six,” he said.

“He began drinking and it affected his reasoning and decision making.”

He lost his job as a warehouseman and started spending more time with Mr Clark.

His friend knew he had been drinking but allowed him to drive the car, which was in poor condition.

Mr Stephenson said Mr Clark contributed to the accident but was not charged with aiding and abetting Ellis.

“He encouraged him to put his foot down and in response that’s what he did,” he said.

“He was in total shock about the nature of the injuries.”

Mr Stephenson added: “He has sought to rebuild his life. He is due to have a child with a new partner in January.

"She is registered disabled and relies upon him for support.”

But Judge Martin Joy said Ellis described drinking to excess and it was an aggravating feature that he had no driving licence or insurance.

He said: “This offence is undoubtedly so serious it is quite inappropriate to suspend the inevitable custodial sentence.”