A GANG of teenaged joyriders sparked a police pursuit across Newport in a stolen car which ended when they smashed into another vehicle, a court heard yesterday.

The police helicopter was scrambled to track the stolen Vauxhall Nova and five youths on September 7, Cwbran youth court heard.

The chase only ended when the Nova crashed into another car in Duffryn, injuring the three passengers.

Sam Osbourne, who was driving the car the joyriders hit, and who suffered whiplash and internal bruising, told the Argus at the time: "Something has to be done about these joyriders. Someone is going to be killed one day."

The 17-year-old driver was sentenced to 18 months detention for aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving, failing to stop and driving without a licence.

Two passengers aged 13 and 14 were given six months detention, and another 14-year-old was given a supervision order, for allowing themselves to be carried in car they knew was stolen.

Yesterday, the fifth occupant of the car, a 15-year-old, was given a two year supervision order and was disqualified from driving for 12 months after admitting allowing himself to be carried in a stolen car.

Paul Moore, prosecuting, told Cwmbran youth court that the car had been stolen from Porthcawl and was spotted by police in Caerleon at about 8.30pm.

He said the police attempted to stop the car, but it carried on and the helicopter was called out.

He said a pursuit across Newport lasting half an hour then followed.

"There was a protracted period of dangerous driving which concluded when the car crashed into a Ford Escort," Mr Moore said.

He said the driver, Sam Osbourne, and her two passengers, brother Keiron and friend Sam Henley, all of Partridge Way, Duffryn, were taken to hospital suffering from concussion, severe whiplash, cuts and bruises.

"The pursuit was videoed by the police helicopter and shows the irresponsible and dangerous way the stolen Nova was driven," he said.

The 15-year-old admitted being in a stolen car at the start of the pursuit and knowing it was stolen.

Dave Coles, defending, said the youth had been "terrorised" by the incident.

"He was begging the driver to stop and on one occasion, when the vehicle was slowing down for a brief period, he tried to get out," Mr Coles said.

"He was clearly concerned not only for himself but for pedestrians and other drivers on the road."

Chairman of the magistrates, Paul Wilkinson, said: "You are a persistent young offender and you committed this offence while on bail, so if ever we see you in this court again for a serious offence such as this you are going away - and it may be for longer than six months."