Bideford woman took partner's car without consent after an argument

A COURT heard how a woman took her partner's car without consent after an argument, hit the kerb and burst a tyre.

Hayley Gifford, 19, of 67 Churchill Road, Bideford, had earlier pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking, causing damage, and driving it without a licence and without insurance.

She also pleaded guilty to destroying a mobile phone sim card belonging to Georgina Tracey.

Anne Hampshire, for the prosecution, told North Devon Magistrates' Court that the complainant in the case was the defendant's partner.

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There was an argument between them. As a result the defendant was upset and shouting. There was a tussle before the defendant took the car keys and drove off. Prior to leaving she snapped the sim card.

The police were contacted and the vehicle, a Vauxhall Corsa, was found on the A39 with a flat tyre and some damage.

Gifford told the police she was a good driver and had only crashed it because she was looking at her phone.

The court heard that the driver's door had two long scratches on it.

The defendant said she had hit the curb – resulting in the tyre bursting – but she had no idea about the scratches.

David Rowe, for the defence, said his client was the sole carer of her two-year-old daughter.

She suffered from depression for which she was taking medication.

This was her first appearance in court.

He said she took the car for a drive on the spur of the moment. It followed an argument about her partner contacting a former partner on the mobile phone.

He said his client was sorry for committing the offences.

Magistrates disqualified Gifford from driving for 12 months and endorsed her license for the other two motoring offences.

She was given a community order with 12 months' supervision and told to pay £20 towards costs.