A WOMAN stopped by the police for not wearing a seatbelt made matters worse for herself when she gave false details, a court heard.

Julie Janes, who only holds a provisional driving licence, took control of the car after her partner ran away from police.

The 19-year-old of Smite Hill, Hindlip, near Worcester, pleaded guilty to driving without a licence and having no insurance when she appeared before the city's magistrates yesterday.

Linda Jeffries, prosecuting, said the couple were only stopped by police in Shaw Street, Worcester, for not wearing seatbelts.

She said both Janes and her partner gave false names to the police officers before Janes revealed they had given false details after further questioning at the scene.

At that point, Janes' partner ran off and was involved in a 20-minute chase through the city which ended with him diving into the river Severn only to be dragged out and arrested. Mrs Jeffries said he later pleaded guilty and has been sentenced.

However, during the chase Janes took control of the Ford Focus and drove off.

In mitigation Rob Macrory said Janes panicked and acted to protect her partner.

"She has lost her good character now," he said.

Janes was fined a total £200 and ordered to pay £60 court costs for the incident which too place on Sunday, January 21.