Banned driver caught on DIY motorbike

Shayde Weston, 17, pleaded guilty to driving while forbidden and interfering with a car.

A teenage girl described as a "loose cannon" by a judge was caught driving a motorbike she made out of a lawnmower engine and bicycle after being forbidden to drive.

Shayde Weston, 17, pleaded guilty to driving while forbidden and interfering with a car when she appeared before Judge Tony Walsh in Masterton District Court recently.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Garry Wilson said Weston had been forbidden by police to drive on June 25 and four days later was caught driving the "home-built" motorbike.

Then in early November, while on bail for the driving charges, she was caught in Palmerston North with a friend trying to break into a car.

When questioned by police she said she was "trying to get home to Masterton" so thought she'd steal a car.

Defence lawyer Peter Stevens said Weston had been remanded in custody for three weeks and requested the court consider time served as a sentence.

"She has been secluded because of her age. She found it very tough in there," he said.

Judge Walsh remanded Weston on bail for a pre-sentence with a warning not to breach bail or she could find herself back behind bars.

"She is just a loose cannon ... she has obviously decided she is going to learn the hard way. She has let her grandfather and father down all the time," Judge Walsh said.

"I am concerned ... you are not getting the message. If you want to learn the hard way ... that is your choice. If you breach you will be in custody."

Weston was remanded on bail with a curfew between 9pm and 7am.

She is due back in court for sentencing on January 14.