Learner driver crashed into pedestrian barrier on busy Hartlepool road in 87mph police chase

Provisional licence holder Amelia Mooney, aged 19, ploughed into a pedestrian barrier and lamppost after losing control while driving at almost three times the speed limit in York Road.

She drove on the wrong side of the road while being followed by police at the time but did not stop, a court heard.

Mooney pleaded guilty to driving a blue Mazda dangerously and a series of other motor offences when she appeared before Teesside Magistrates’ Court.

The incident and crash happened on July 20 last year.

Prosecutor Joanne Hesse said: “This is a police pursuit where the defendant was described travelling at speed on the wrong side of the road.

"She increased speed up to 87mph as she approaches a roundabout.

“An accident occurred. She loses control where she crashed into a pedestrian barrier then into a lamppost on the pathway.

"She has driven that vehicle whilst only being a provisional licence holder and not having any insurance to drive.”

Mooney also pleaded guilty to charges of driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, no insurance and failing to stop when required by police.

An allegation of drug driving on the same date was withdrawn when the prosecution offered no evidence.

Georgia Wilkinson, defending, asked for an adjournment for reports to consider mental health issues she said Mooney has had for some time, including post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety.

Ms Wilkinson also stressed that she had pleaded guilty as soon as possible.

She added: “She made full admissions to the police in interview in terms of the offences before the court today.

“There seems to be some issues around mental health which is why these offences had been committed, or certainly have been a contributing factor.”

Kenneth Appleby, chair of the bench, agreed to adjourn the case until March 14 for reports.

He told Mooney, of Annandale Crescent, in Hartlepool: “We have decided to adjourn for a pre-sentence report.

"That will help us to decide whether we will accept jurisdiction.”

The magistrates could decide to send it to the crown court for sentence if they feel their powers are insufficient.