A 16-YEAR-OLD boy who said he took and drove off in other people’s cars for “the adrenalin rush” has been bound over for 12 months –and will not be able to take a driving test until he is 21.
The Youth Court heard that the teenager, who cannot be named due to his age, took a car in Patriotic Street car park in the early hours of 19 August, but drove it into a wall in the car park and left it there.
Early on 9 October he took a Range Rover from the Waterfront.
Advocate Sarah Dale, defending, pointed out that the teenager pleaded guilty to taking and driving away vehicles without their owners’ permission and driving without insurance. And she said: “He is aware that this has got to stop.”
The boy added: “It was that adrenalin rush.”
But the Magistrate, Bridget Shaw, replied: “That is no excuse, is it?”
She said the offence was “serious enough for custody” because of the risk posed to the public, but had instead decided to bind him over for a year.
She also banned him from driving for five years, leaving him unable to take a driving test until the ban has elapsed.
Probation for punching bus driver
In a separate Youth Court case, a 15-year-old boy who punched a bus driver in the face has been given a six-month probation order.
The teenager, who cannot be named due to his age, boarded the bus while drunk, the court heard.
Legal adviser Samantha Morris, prosecuting, said he became abusive towards the driver and was told to get off.
She said the boy then demanded his money back and tried to reach into the till. “The driver took hold of his arm to stop him doing that and the teenager punched him in the face.”
The court also heard that the boy was on probation at the time for a previous conviction of breaking and entering.
Advocate Paul Nicholls, defending, said the teenager wished to apologise to the driver in person.
He added: “He has ridden that bus numerous times since with that same driver, and there was no ill will.
“He knows his actions were wrong.”
The boy told the court: “I’m never going to do it again.”
Magistrate Bridget Shaw imposed a probation order.
