A RUNAWAY teen driver who was showing off tried to flee an accident - but was brought to justice because his parents were cycling by as he ran off.

Uninsured provisional licence holder Aaron Amber was behind the wheel of a Vauxhall Corsa when it collided with a Toyota Yaris which was indicating to turn left into a car park.

After the minor shunt, Amber panicked and initially tried to reverse away but instead struck a wall.

Along with his passengers, he then fled the car.

But the 18-year-old was identified after his parents, who were out on a bike ride, spotted him and persuaded him to go back to the scene.

Amber, of Kings Road, Harwich, admitted driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence, driving without insurance and failing to stop after an accident when he appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

Magistrates ordered him to pay a total of £235 and handed him eight penalty points.

Denise Holland, prosecuting, said: “After the shunt, the driver of the Toyota pulled over and Mr Amber has attempted to reverse away but drove into a wall.

“He and his passengers fled the scene but his parents happened to be cycling by and they encouraged him to go back to the scene eventually.”

She added: “He has no licence to drive and no insurance.”

When he was questioned by officers at the roadside, Amber told them he had driven the car from the Royal Pub, in Main Road, Harwich, and was going to sell it.

Mrs Holland added: “He admitted he reversed and panicked and hit the wall.”

Amber, who represented himself during the hearing, told magistrates: “I was showing off in front of my friends but I knew it was wrong.

“It seemed like a good idea at the time.

“After it all happened, I did realise how serious it was.

“When I was doing it, it seemed great to be fair but it obviously wasn’t.”

He added: “I am very sorry for my actions.”

Magistrates told Amber his actions were “very serious” and endorsed his provisional licence with eight penalty points.

He was told: “Before you have even obtained a full licence, you have got penalty points.

“Attempting to get insurance is going to be an expensive proposition for you.”

He was also fined £120 and ordered to pay £115 in court costs.

The incident took place in Wellington Road, Harwich at about 7.10pm on August 5.