A woman who has never passed a driving test crashed a mobility vehicle into a neighbour's car and then blamed it on her dad. Sarah-Louise Elliott obtained a Nissan Juke in 2025 despite having no driving licence or insurance and then crashed it into a neighbour's car in Gateshead.
Days later, she gave a statement to police where she blamed her father. However, checks that were immediately carried out by police found the 24-year-old was lying and she was later charged with perverting the course of justice.
On Tuesday, Elliott, of Derwent Crescent, Swalwell, Gateshead, appeared at Newcastle Moot Hall to be sentenced for perverting the course of justice and driving without a licence or insurance. She had pleaded guilty to the offences.
Nicoleta Alistari told the court that the offences were committed in the Gateshead area in October 2025. Recorder Brian Whitehead said: 'You had obtained a mobility vehicle last year and drove it [despite] never having passed a test. You crashed into a neighbour's car and gave a statement to police where you blamed your father and told police you were insured.' Police checks found that Elliott was not telling the truth. She then owned up to everything, the court was told.
The court heard that Elliott was serving a suspended sentence at the time for a wounding conviction. Recorder Whitehead said her plan was not thought through but the harm caused was limited as no action was ever taken against her dad.
Joe Culley, defending, said the offences were unsophisticated and that Elliott suffers from a catalogue of mental health issues. He said: 'She has ADHD and anxiety...which links to her decision making.' He added that the offences were ill-thought through.
Recorder Whitehead sentenced Elliott to six months prison, suspended for 18 months and ordered her to undertake 100 hours unpaid work. She must also complete 20 rehabilitation days and pay a £250 fine. She was also banned from driving for 12 months.
