HER car was stolen and crashed by a drunk teenager but today a youth worker says the incident has not discouraged her from working with youngsters.In fact Pam Littlejohn says she has been spurred on to do more to help the troubled youth in Ipswich - despite having to use her own insurance to replace her car which was written off in the crash.

HER car was stolen and crashed by a drunk teenager but today a youth worker says the incident has not discouraged her from working with youngsters.

In fact Pam Littlejohn says she has been spurred on to do more to help the troubled youth in Ipswich - despite having to use her own insurance to replace her car which was written off in the crash.

The 17-year-old who stole it drove along Fore Street until he crashed into railings and then bit the hand of a police officer who attempted to free him from the vehicle.

It was on February 12 shortly before 5pm that Ms Littlejohn was closing up the Waterfront Community Centre, in Grimwade Street, Ipswich, when four teenagers came into the venue.

Within minutes the youths had stolen her keys, which she had left in the door, and her Honda Civic which was parked outside.

The offender, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, pleaded guilty at South East Magistrates' Court to charges of drink driving, driving without a licence, insurance, aggravated vehicle taking without consent, assaulting a police officer and damaging property.

Stephen Colman, prosecuting, said: “She called police and later they received another call saying a car had crashed into a barrier in Fore Street.

“A plain clothed police officer was passing when he saw a car had crashed. As he got closer he could see a man trying to get out of the car using the window and not the door. The driver swore at the officer and at that point the officer noticed he was drunk.”

The offender, who lives in Ipswich, then bit the police officer on the hand. Fire fighters later had to cut the vehicle free from the railings.

Roger Thomson, mitigating, said: “He said he was sorry in interview for biting the officer. The problem here is mainly one of drink. He says he doesn't drink every day but when he does he drinks too much.”

The 17-year-old said: “I don't know why I did it. I was drunk.”

He was given a 12 month supervision order with a 90 day work element attached, a curfew, was disqualified from driving for 20 months and made to pay the police officer £50 compensation.

After the hearing Pam Littlejohn said: “I am just relieved that nobody was injured in this incident.

“I will have to use my own insurance to replace my car and will lose my no claims bonus. I have had to walk everywhere since the incident happened and will continue to do so until I get the insurance money.

“But it has just made me realise how much more work there is to do with youngsters to make them realise the consequences of their actions. It has spurred me on to do more with them.”