Charlotte Musgrave, 18, left a couple with back and hip injuries after smashing into the back of their car in Marina Way, Hartlepool, near Asda supermarket.

Musgrave, who has only a provisional licence and was uninsured at the time, then sped off when the driver got out to exchange details.

Hartlepool Magistrates' Court was told the incident happened after Musgrave and her partner had an argument at the Merry-Go-Round pub, in Holdforth Road, Hartlepool.

The row left the teenager wanting a cigarette and her boyfriend gave her his car keys so she could sit in it and have a smoke.

But instead she got behind the wheel and drove off.

Lilian Atkinson, prosecuting, said: "As she approached the roundabout at Asda she failed to stop in time and collided with the Vauxhall Vectra.

"The driver got out and spoke to the defendant. She appeared to be distressed and anxious and refused to communicate with him."

She then drove away at speed when the shocked driver of the other car approached her to swap details.

Musgrave handed herself into police and admitted the incident which left the Vectra driver with hip pain and his wife with back trouble.

Adrian Morris, mitigating, said: "She has no previous convictions. She has been devastated by these proceedings.

"She had no destination in mind, she just drove off. Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt and the damage was minor."

Musgrave, of Dixon Estate, Shotton Colliery, earlier admitted taking a vehicle without consent, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, having no insurance and failing to stop at 6.40pm, on July 23.

Magistrates gave her a 12-month community order with 60 hours of unpaid work and six penalty points on her licence. She was also ordered to pay £300 to the other driver and £60 costs.

Chairman Eric Wheelright said: "We hope you have learned your lesson. When you do get a car, learn to drive properly."