A special needs worker has been fined and banned from driving after she admitted five offences.

Chelmsford Magistrates' Court heard yesterday that 18-year-old Emma Stiff caused an accident while driving a BMW without having insurance or a full licence.

Stiff, of Colne Valley Close, Halstead, admitted careless driving, driving with no insurance, failing to stop after an accident, failing to report an accident and driving other than in accordance with the licence.

Denise Holland, prosecuting, said Stiff was driving a grey BMW along Colne Road, Halstead, when she pulled in behind a row of parked cars but collided with a Renault Clio, damaging the bumper.

"The next day, a police constable stopped her in the BMW she was driving. She went to the station where she made a full and frank admission of what happened."

Peter Barley, mitigating, said that Stiff had bought the car for £300.

"Following the accident, she described herself as being in a state of extreme panic. She apologies for the accident and says she has moved on.

"She is now in full time work, working with people with special needs, and drives to work on a moped."

Stiff was fined £500, ordered to pay £43 costs, had her licence endorsed and was banned for six months.

Published Friday, February 11, 2005

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