A teenager was made subject of a 10-month referral order by magistrates after crashing a car into a wall, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

The incident took place shortly before midnight on December 13, with the teenager and a friend taking the car, which belonged to a relative.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, lost control of the vehicle however, and collided with the wall of a Grade II-listed property in Ramsey, causing more than £8,000 in damage.

The crash also destroyed a pair of iron gates before the vehicle hit a telegraph pole.

“You had no insurance, you did not know how to drive, you could have killed yourself and your friend, or anyone else on the road that night,” Susan Mahmoud, chairman of the bench, told the teenager at Huntingdon Youth Court last Wednesday (April 13).

“That is the problem. You have to understand that.”

Magistrates heard that residents heard the crash, and a motorcyclist stopped to see if the pair were ok. The duo escaped uninjured and were able to walk away from the scene.

Thanks to insurance on the demolished wall, the teenager was only ordered to pay £75 in compensation towards the owner’s excess, but did also receive an £85 legal cost bill and a victim surcharge of £15.

Pleading guilty to charges of taking a vehicle without consent, driving without insurance, and driving without a licence, the teenager was also made subject of a 10-month referral order and faces a 12 month disqualification after passing the driving test.

“It really has been a very clear lesson,” said Christina Metcalfe, in mitigation.

Mrs Mahmoud added: “You have done something very stupid.

“Take advantage of everything offered to you as it won’t be offered again.”