A WOMAN was fined after she allowed herself to be carried in her brother’s car, which was taken without his consent.

Lyndsay Thompson, 35, of Senhouse Street in Siddick, Workington, pleaded guilty to the offence when she appeared at the magistrates court in Workington on Friday.

Diane Jackson, prosecuting, said that on January 25, at around 1.50am, police were alerted to a car on the A596 at Siddick which had no headlights.

She added the car, a Vauxhall Corsa, turned into Helder Street and collided with a wall.

Mrs Jackson said: “Diane Rawlinson was driving the vehicle, Miss Thompson was a passenger. Police allowed Thompson to go home, but she was later arrested as it was her brother’s vehicle and it was taken without his consent.

“The incident is aggravated by the collision and the fact the vehicle was seen with no headlights.”

She added Thompson was still subject to a community order for shoplifting.

David Martin, defending, said: “While she was in police custody she told police what happened and she also said ‘I don’t know what possessed me’.

“She can’t believe how stupid her actions were, she deeply regrets it.”

He added that alcohol was involved and a change in mental health medication “sent her doolally”.

Mr Martin explained Thompson’s brother just got the car. They went to the pub, together with Rawlinson, in a taxi.

Thompson was given the car keys by her brother, so he would not be tempted to drive.

“Lyndsay and Diane got a taxi back and Diane decided to go and get the car, Lyndsay foolishly agreed and they were driving back to the pub to collect him.”

He added Thompson told her friend they should not be in the car and they turned around. But that was when the police arrived.

Thompson was fined £80 and ordered to pay £32 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Rawlinson, 36, of Mitchell Avenue, in Northside, was banned from driving for 18 months. She admitted drink-driving, driving without a valid licence or insurance and taking the vehicle without consent.

She was found with 63 mcg of alcohol in 10 ml of breath.

She was also handed a curfew for six months.

Rawlinson must also pay £90 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.