Two convicted after 'roof riding' in South Shields

Two people have been convicted following an incident of dangerous driving in which a girl was seen riding on the roof of a vehicle in a car park in South Shields.

The pair were spotted on CCTV camera in the Sundial car park, Sea Road, South Shields at around 10pm on 23 March 2017. The girl was seen to climb onto the roof of the car and lying face-down as McMillan then drove around the car park.

A 17 year old girl has been disqualified from driving for 12 months for aiding or abetting dangerous driving, and is required to resit a driving test before getting back behind the wheel. She has also been ordered to pay court costs and a surcharge to fund victim services.

Ryan McMillan, 18, from Ashington, has been sentenced to 240 hours of unpaid work for dangerous driving. McMillan is also disqualified from driving for 18 months.

Pc Anthony French of Operation Dragoon said: "Some people may find this behaviour funny but if you choose to get involved in this kind of foolish activity it is only a matter of time before you are involved in a serious collision.

"Motor vehicles are not toys and one slight mistake can lead to a fatal incident that will destroy lives forever.

"We are delighted to see that the magistrate has taken this case seriously and hope it acts as a warning to other young people who find it acceptable to mess around behind the wheel