Gas-scare youth admits taking car

A TEENAGER admitted taking a car without consent and crashing it into a house — sparking major fears of a gas leak.

The 17 year old, from Shaw,crashed the Fiat Punto into the house in Medway Road, Shaw, in the early hours of December 1 and ran off.

Around 10 homes had to be evacuated because the crash damaged a gas meter, which leaked.

National Grid capped the leak and everyone returned home within two hours.

The youth was arrested shortly afterwards and at Oldham magistrates court admitted three charges of taking the vehicle without consent damaging property and driving without a licence or insurance.

He was referred to Oldham Youth Justice Service youth offender panel for six months and ordered to pay £500 compensation to one of the residents and £100 to another.

He was also disqualified from holding a licence for 12 months.