L-driver Daniel Parker went to a takeaway restaurant - and ended up taking a car.

Parker, 18, claimed he was sitting in a McDonald's when a youth left the premises and abandoned a stolen Escort in the car park. The defendant took the car and was next seen having a confrontation with another driver in Purfleet.

Police arrived and noticed the Escort's ignition system had been damaged. Checks were made and Parker was later arrested, Basildon Crown Court heard.

Parker, of Romford Road, Aveley, pleaded guilty to taking the car without consent, having no insurance and no licence.

He received a 12-month community rehabilitation order.

Published Monday, March 18, 2002