Driver left the scene after crash

An uninsured driver who gave a friend a lift from a bar and then smashed into a lamppost and left the scene has been banned from the roads for six months.

Jaquelyn Liddle, 36, of Otto Terrace, Sunderland, was at the Glow 80s bar in the city’s Vine Place when Chloe Watson asked for a ride in the early hours of October 18, South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard.

Liddle got behind the wheel of the motor, but soon after left the road at a roundabout where the A184 and A1018 meet.

The court was told Ms Watson, who was in the passenger seat and not wearing a seatbelt, got out of the car with injuries to her mouth – and Liddle drove off.

Liddle claimed the injuries had been inflicted earlier by Ms Watson’s partner, which was the reason for her wanting to leave the bar.

The 36-year-old was given penalty points on her licence, but banned from the roads after totting up excessive points.

Prosecutor Jeff Taylor told the court that after the accident Ms Watson suffered pain and swelling in her mouth, including from two chipped teeth.

Alaister Naismith, defending, said: “She fully admitted that she wasn’t insured and crashed and caused damage to a streetlamp.”

Liddle, who pleaded guilty to failing to stop after a road accident and driving without insurance, was given seven penalty points and was banned under the totting up system. She was also given a 12-month community order with a requirement of 10 rehabilitation days with the Probation Service and 40 hours’ unpaid work and must pay a £90 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.