A TEENAGE who crashed a stolen taxi into a parked car has been told to “grow up” by magistrates.

At Bolton Youth Court the 16-year-old was given a youth rehabilitation order after pleading guilty to taking a white Hyundai taxi, before crashing it into a parked car in Garstang Avenue, Breightmet on September 9.

The taxi driver picked up the teenager and his two friends from Lea Gate in Bradshaw, and after changing their minds about where they wanted to go, all three eventually decided to go to Morrisons store in Breighmet.

Magistrates heard how the three passengers then got out of the car and ran off, pursued by the taxi driver, before doubling back and jumping into the vehicle.

Jane Deakin, prosecuting, said: “The defendant drove off at speed across Bury Road and into Garstang Avenue, before crashing into a parked car.

“There was damage to both the taxi and the parked vehicle, to the extent that the airbags were deployed.”

The driver was able to identify the teenager and witnesses also provided dash cam footage, which showed him driving at speed through the built-up area.

After being arrested the teenage driver, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was told not to contact the Metro taxi firm as part of his bail conditions, which he broke on December 15.

Ms Deakin added: “He got back into a taxi belonging to the same firm.

“Following a dispute over a fare, the defendant threw a three litre bottle of Coke at the aggrieved driver.

“The victim feared for his personal safety and the defendant got out of the vehicle and into another taxi.

“That car was then stopped by police and the defendant gave false details to an officer before he was arrested for assault.”

The youth pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving, driving without insurance, obstructing a police officer and assault.

He was sentenced to a 12 month youth rehabilitation order, a six month intensive supervision order and a three month curfew from 7pm to 7am. He also received a 12 month driving ban.

The chairman of the bench Maurice Sidorczuk, said: “All of these offences are rather unpleasant. You need to put the wrong doing behind you and grow up now.”

The 16-year-old was also ordered to pay £85 towards prosecution costs plus and a £20 victim surcharge.