A teenager has been slapped with a community order for failing to stop after a collision which saw his car flip onto its roof.

Michael Crumlish, 18, of Lodge Lane, Collier Row, was sentenced at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court yesterday after pleading guilty to the offence.

He also admitted failing to report the accident and driving on a road/in a public place without due care and attention.

Crumlish was driving a red Fiat in Gooshays Drive, Harold Hill, on October 10 last year when he smashed into a parked Renault Clio.

Prosecutor Nijole O’Brien said: “The defendant’s vehicle overturned, landing on its roof on the wrong side of the road.

“Some witnesses saw him get out of the car, he appeared to have a head injury.

“Forensic analysis found saliva on the airbag, which was found to be the defendant’s.”

A probation report heard at the court, in High Street, noted Crumlish was “frightened” following the incident.

He “simply panicked” and left the scene.

The report said: “He is 18 years old, still very young and quite immature, and hadn’t been driving very long.

“It could have been his inexperience that caused the accident.”

Prior to being given his punishment, Crumlish spoke to the court and said he regretted his actions.

“I’m just sorry for what I did,” he said, “It was wrong. I should have stayed in my car.”

Bench chairman David Cox said: “For the failing to stop and failing to report you are going to receive a community order, because we believe it is serious enough to warrant it.”

Crumlish, who had three points on his driving licence already, was given no separate punishment for the careless driving offence, but his community order will run for 12 months – until April 9 next year.

He was ordered to pay £85 in costs and an additional £60 as he received the order. He must pay this within 28 days.

Crumlish was also disqualified from driving for six months and instructed to go to an attendance centre for a total of 15 hours.