A FEMALE driver who ran off after crashing into a parked car and causing extensive damage to it has avoided a ban.

Dunfermline Sheriff Court was told Cassandra Pearce did not like driving at night and was not familiar with the Lochgelly area where she had visited a friend.

In the early hours, Pearce smashed into a parked vehicle with such an impact that it was shunted across the pavement and into the side of a house.

Pearce then ran off but was pursued by a local resident who took a photograph of her on a mobile phone.

Pearce, 28, of Viewfield Terrace, Lumphinnans, admitted that on May 7, in North Street, Lochgelly, she drove a car carelessly, whereby she lost control of her car, collided with a stationary vehicle parked there, causing extensive damage and causing it to be shunted into a building.

Depute fiscal Azrah Yousaf told the court the collision occurred at around 1.30am.

The owner of the parked vehicle heard a loud bang and when they went outside saw that there had been a collision.

Pearce ran off following the incident and one of the witnesses gave chase, taking photos of her on a mobile phone.

She left the scene and it was several days later before she went to a local police station.

There was severe damage caused to the parked Ford Fusion, with repairs estimated to cost around £1,000.

Police saw the mobile phone images with several showing her face.

Defence solicitor Ian Beatson said: “She had gone to a friend’s home in Lochgelly and had been planning to stay the night there.

“However, there was an argument and she decided to drive home. She didn’t know the area well and she tells me she doesn’t like driving at night which increases her anxiety.

“She says what happened is all a bit blurry to her.”

He asked the sheriff to restrict the sentence to no more than five penalty points which would allow his client to continue driving.

Sheriff Pino di Emidio imposed five penalty points and fined Pearse £350.