A teenager who took her mother’s car without permission and crashed it into a 500-year-old pub, causing £35,000-worth of damage, has appeared in court.
Rhianna Drew, then aged 17 and now 18, made off with a Ford Kuga while her mum was asleep.
Shortly before 4am on February 26, police received reports about the vehicle potentially being driven dangerously and speeding.
It emerged the Kuga, also containing a female passenger, had collided with the family-run Shepherds Inn, at Langwathby, on the A686 near Penrith.
“She has lost control and smashed into the public house. High value damage was caused,” prosecutor Bilal Saeed told Carlisle Magistrates’ Court as Drew was sentenced today.
“She admitted — at the time of driving — she had taken some cannabis.” That drug use was not the subject of any criminal charge.
However, provisional licence holder Drew did admit charges of aggravated vehicle taking, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and no insurance.
An impact statement had been provided by Shepherds Inn owner Stephen Wilcock, who runs the business with his wife and two adult children.
The total cost of damage ran to £35,000 and was covered by insurance, save for the £400 excess.
The pub was shut for several days while an inspection of structural damage was carried out, and building work took place.
Part of the pub remained closed for a longer period of time, several events were cancelled and Mr Wilcock estimated the financial loss topped £20,300.
Additional CCTV cameras had been installed at the premises.
“After the incident I had to board up the pub. This affected the business. Everybody believed we were closed,” said Mr Wilcock. “I imagine the temporary closure and police presence has had a negative impact on the business.”
Defence solicitor Adele Graham, mitigating, said Drew had since taken steps to improve her life, gained employment and had a more positive circle of friends.
“This offence did occur during a more unsettled period in her life. This does not reflect the person she is today,” said Miss Graham.
“She does accept full responsibility for her actions and does express genuine remorse for her behaviour. She is determined to keep moving her life in a more positive direction.”
Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order. Drew, of Ghyll Croft, Ainstable, must complete a year-long driving ban, a six-month mental health treatment requirement and a 180-day electronically monitored night time curfew. She must also pay £400 compensation.
Of the curfew, lead magistrate Jeff Forster told Drew: “We appreciate that is an onerous requirement. I have to point out the alternative would have been custody. You should almost consider yourself fortunate.”
