Teen’s drive in pyjamas costs her £5,000 (From Echo)

Teen’s drive in pyjamas costs her £5,000

5:09pm Friday 20th July 2007 in

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A TEENAGER has been convicted of four driving offences - and ordered to pay almost £5,000 compensation.

Rhian Vincent, 19, had been out drinking with friends before she returned home and took the keys to her parents green Ford Focus.

She then drove off, in her pyjamas, before crashing it into a wall and a lamppost in the Spinn-aker, South Woodham Ferrers.

Vincent, who only held a provisional licence, was charged with aggravated vehicle taking, drink driving and driving without insurance or a licence.

She pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court. In mitigation Joanne Pum-frey said: "She is extremely remorseful for her actions. It was an impulsive act."

The court also heard various family problems had contributed to her actions.

James Macmillan, chairman of the bench, said: "Aggravated vehicle taking is very much an imprisonable offence.

"We have taken into account various factors.

"You have shown remorse, taken steps to sort out your alcohol problems and a difficult family background.

"You came to court with a clean record, and kind letters in support of you, so we choose a community based penalty order."Vincent from Great Smials, South Woodham, was sentenced to 120 hours community work and ordered to pay £4,940 in compensation to pay for the damage caused during the smash.

She also has to pay £60 court costs and has been disqualified from driving for 18 months.