A teenager who crashed while driving at up to five times the speed limit just hours after passing her driving test, leaving her friend with horrific injuries, appeared at Dundee Sheriff Court.
Leah Petrie, 18, passed her test on June 8 last year then just hours later picked up Martin McNab, 19, and a 17-year-old girl who cannot be named for legal reasons.
She later led a convoy of cars through Camperdown Park, which has a 10mph speed limit.
Petrie hit speeds of up to 50mph before losing control on a bend and ploughing into a tree.
Witnesses pulled Petrie and Mr McNab from the wreckage of the Ford Ka, but the other girl was unconscious and trapped.
Depute fiscal Kirsten Letford told the court: “Mr McNab suffered seatbelt injuries, a sore back and severe bruising to his shin.
“The other passenger was unconscious and slumped towards the driver’s side. It’s unclear whether she was wearing her seatbelt or not.
“She was taken to hospital where it was established she had suffered a head injury, a fractured pelvis and palsy to her right side.
“Her memory is badly affected, she gets tired easily and is anxious. She is due to see a doctor to check for any brain injury.”
Petrie, of Broughty Ferry, pleaded guilty on indictment to causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Defence solicitor David Duncan said: “She does accept her speed was excessive for the circumstances — that is not in dispute. The defence position is that the girl was not wearing a seatbelt or not wearing it properly.”
Sheriff Alastair Carmichael deferred sentence until August for reports and released Petrie on bail meantime.
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