A Peel teenager has been sentenced to community service after admitting taking a vehicle without consent.

The car, which was driven by another person, crashed into a parked car and police found both both occupants hiding in bushes.

Darius Matthew Brown, of Carmane Close, admitted the offence, which he committed jointly with a juvenile who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The 19-year-old must do 80 hours of unpaid work and also had his licence endorsed with eight penalty points.

Prosecutor Barry Swain told the court how, on April 22 at 3.28am, police were called to The Hope in St John’s.

Witnesses reported seeing a Volkswagen Golf being driven dangerously and then crashing into a parked car.

The two occupants fled the scene but were found by police hiding in bushes.

When interviewed by police Brown admitted that he had been drinking but said that he had not been driving the car.

The car owner confirmed that they had not given permission for the vehicle to be used but had left the keys in the car while it was on her driveway.

Defending Brown in court his advocate Kate Alexander handed in a letter from Brown’s mum.

Ms Alexander asked that magistrates follow the recommendation of a probation report which suggested community service as a suitable punishment.

’Mr Brown accepts he is culpable for the driver’s actions as it is a did together matter,’ said the advocate.

’There was no forced entry and no suggestion he was driving.

’He was previously at the Isle of Man College but has left for the time being, though he hopes to return.

’He has something of a record for a person of his age but his last offence was in May 2016.’

Magistrates ordered that Brown complete the 80 hours in the next 12 months.