AN UNINSURED driver who crashed a £30,000 Mercedes before fleeing the scene was caught because he left his phone in the wrecked vehicle.

Charlie Roberts crashed the E-Class Mercedes into a truck after running a red light on Shirley High Street.

The 21-year-old ran from the scene of the crash, which took place at the junction with Park Street in the early hours of July 9 last year.

But police eventually tracked him down after finding his phone in the Mercedes E250.

Roberts, of Meadowmead Avenue, Southampton, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention, driving without insurance, failing to stop after an accident and failing to report an accident.

Appearing at Southampton Magistrates' Court last week, he also pleaded guilty to failing to give information about the crash when asked by police.

Roberts was given a six-month driving ban by magistrates, who described the offences as "serious".

Roberts was also given a 12 month community order, eight days of rehabilitation requirement and told to do 80 hours of unpaid work.

He will also ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a victim surcharge of £85.