A DRIVER who had been on the road for just five weeks accelerated to more than 70mph as she took a sharp bend in a rural road.

Abigail Bonney, 18, was behind the wheel of a Renault Clio on the A133, at Frating Hill, near to Colchester when she lost control on the bend, causing the car to flip and land in the path of oncoming traffic.

A 'black box' fitted in her car by her insurance company showed she increased her speed to 71mph as she approached the bend at about 9pm on March 1. The speed limit is 60mph.

Bonney was not injured but her front seat passenger, an 18-year-old woman, suffered life changing neck injuries for which she is still receiving treatment.

Two other friends, who were in the back seat of the car, suffered whiplash injuries and severe headaches.

Bonney, of Thomas Road, in Clacton, admitted careless driving when she appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

She was disqualified from driving for 12 months and will have to re-take a test if she wants to drive again.

She was also order to pay a total of £172, including a £62 fine.

PC Heidi Lee, who is part of the Essex Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "Bonney was a new and inexperienced driver who showed a total disregard for the safety of her passengers and other road users.

"She wasn’t familiar with the rural roads on which she was travelling but still chose to travel in excess of 10mph over the speed limit and increase her speed as she approached a bend.

"Driving comes with responsibilities which should not be abused. This collision could have been avoided but as a result of irresponsible behaviour a young woman is now living with life changing injuries."