A TEENAGER left a trail of damage during a police chase in a stolen van.

Lee Fucile tore around grassed areas on an industrial estate in Hartlepool before getting back on the road and going the wrong way around a roundabout.

Eventually, he smashed through a fence and damaged two parked cars, Teesside Crown Court heard.

The owner of one of the vehicles faced a bill of £600 and a hike in his insurance premiums, and said in a statement he wanted Fucile to pay.

The unemployed 19-year-old walked free from court, but was ordered by a judge to pay £250 compensation.

Judge Howard Crowson told him: “If it turns out you have a moral bone in your body and you have more money, I hope you will pay him the full amount.”

Fucile fled from the scene of the crash and was found hiding under a caravan, and blood sample showed he had been using cannabis.

The teenager, of Ilkley Grove, Hartlepool, admitted handling stolen goods, dangerous driving, having no licence or insurance, and being over the prescribed limit.

He was given a 12-month community order with 20 days rehabilitation activity and banned for 18 months.

Judge Crowson told him: “You have come very close to being locked up. You won’t get another chance like this. When dangerous drivers drive away from police, they are nearly always sent away. The only thing saving you is that you are young and you have never done anything like this before.”