A TEENAGER arrested for joyriding has been banned from driving for 12 months - despite not being old enough to get behind the wheel in one year's time.

Two teenagers, who stole a car which triggered a high-speed chase with police, have made their first appearance at court following the incident.

The pair, aged 15 and 16 from Newton-Le-Willows, was arrested following the theft of a BMW 520 from a property in Toft Road, Knutsford.

Both teens, who have not yet reached the legal age limit to drive, were charged on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary and taking a motor vehicle without consent. 

The 16-year-old is also charged on suspicion of disqualified driving, dangerous driving and driving without insurance. 

The 15-year-old appeared at Halton Magistrates Court on Thursday and was handed a 12 month driving ban and was referred to a youth offending team for 12 months for his part in the incident.

The sentencing of the 16-year-old was postponed until February 17 at St Helens Magistrates Court.

The boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were arrested following a high-speed chase involving officers from Greater Manchester Police.

But the pursuit came to a dramatic end when the stolen vehicle ploughed into the front of a residential property on Broseley Lane - just off Common Lane.

Broseley Cottage near to Leigh Golf Course is currently on the market for £475,000 and was empty at the time of the crash.