Soap star spared driving ban with help from 'Mr Loophole'

Thomas, 25, who plays builder Jason Grimshaw in Coronation Street, was driving his Chrysler car when he skidded on water and hit crash barriers.

Members of the public began taking photographs and he left the scene of the collision in a taxi because the situation was intimidating.

Thomas pleaded guilty at Manchester Magistrates' Court to failing to stop at the scene of an accident and failing to report an accident.

The actor was represented at the Monday hearing by celebrity lawyer Nick Freeman, famed for securing acquittals for high-profile clients.

Thomas, who faced a driving ban and up to a maximum of six months' imprisonment, was fined 2,020, given five penalty points on his licence and ordered to pay 35 court costs and a 15 victim surcharge.

He he hit crash barriers at the junction of Cambridge Street and the Mancunian Way in Manchester city centre shortly after 4am on October 31 last year.

He called police and waited at the scene but took a taxi to his home in Cheadle after fans started taking photographs.