A HAMPSHIRE teenager who was involved in two hit-and-run crashes in just a month has been banned from driving.

Hartley Wiseman fled the scene after crashing into a street bench and, weeks later, he skidded into the path of an oncoming vehicle, which left the other driver with a fractured wrist.

The 18-year-old fled as the injured driver went back to his car to get his insurance details.

Appearing at Southampton Magistrates’ Court, Wiseman pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to stop.

Wiseman, who committed the offences within the two-year probation period for newly qualified drivers, was given a total of 16 points on his licence.

It means his licence will be revoked under the New Drivers Act, and he will have to retake his driving test.

He will not be allowed to do this for six months.

The court heard Wiseman’s first crash took place on August 2 when he was driving his Renault Clio on Fernhill Lane, New Milton.

Prosecutor Rachael Standish said Wiseman crashed into a bin, a bench and a road sign near Brook Avenue in New Milton.

The court was told that a second crash took place on August 24, when Wiseman was driving the same car on Christchurch Road, New Milton.

Witnesses saw his Clio swerve into the path of oncoming traffic, before crashing into a vehicle.

She said the other driver suffered a fractured wrist in the crash and that, after an initial conversation, Wiseman was seen “sloping” away.

In mitigation, Anne Baron said Wiseman had endured a difficult upbringing, including the death of his mother when he was 11 years old, and was currently sofa-surfing, having no permanent accommodation.

Magistrates agreed with the recommendation of probation service, who urged them to punish Wiseman with a community order.

Wiseman, of Raleigh Road, New Milton, was made the subject of a 12-month community order, which will include 20 rehabilitation days.

He was also ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work and pay court costs totalling £145.