A DRUNKEN teenager who hijacked an ambulance as it attended an emergency call in Highworth has escaped a prison sentence.

The 16-year-old, who was two times over the drink drive limit after downing 10 bottles of Stella Artois at a party, was instead given a 12-month referral, a 21-month driving ban and was ordered to pay compensation to two paramedics who were injured in the incident.

Swindon Youth Court heard how the youngster got into the emergency vehicle in the early hours of April 16 after paramedics were called to tend to a 95-year-old man with a serious heart condition in the Cherry Orchard area of the town.

The boy then locked himself in the cabin of the ambulance and drove 60 yards down the road before stopping and being apprehended by a paramedic.

The ambulance was subsequently out of service for the next six hours.

He pleaded guilty to aggravated taking without consent, namely an ambulance, no insurance, no driving licence and excess alcohol in connection with the incident.

Eric Waley, prosecuting, said: "The ambulance was left on the street with the key in the ignition and the engine running, which is standard procedure.

"It allows for a quick exit in case of an emergency. The ambulance crew included a paramedic and a technician, who were attending to the man and they realised it was being driven off.

"They called out to the defendant to get out of the ambulance and he replied what are you going to do'.

"He then drove the vehicle approximately 60 yards down the road forcing one of the ambulance people to fall out of the back of the ambulance. Both ambulance staff sustained minor injuries."

But Rob Ross, defending, said: "Whilst this was a foolish act by this young man, it happened on the spur of the moment and there were reasons why it happened," Mr Ross said.

"He said in a police interview he had been out with friends and drank 10 bottles of Stella.

"He got into a row and he got into the ambulance because he thought his so called friends were going to hurt him. He did not realise there was anyone in the back of it.

"His friends then started hitting the ambulance. They were not having a go at the ambulance, they were having a go at him."

The court heard how the elderly man treated by the paramedics had since died, but Mr Waley pointed out that his death was not related to the incident on April 16.

The defendant told magistrates how he regularly drank at weekends after getting older friends to buy alcohol on his behalf.

Chairman of the bench David Lackham, said: "It is quite outrageous these stores are supplying alcohol that is going to be consumed by underage people.

"The charge of aggressive vehicle taking should carry a custodial sentence. You chose to drive, despite the fact you were more than twice over the legal limit, so by doing that you put other people at risk. It was foolish and irresponsible.

"We are prepared to give you a chance and allow you to serve a community sentence. You must consider yourself very lucky."

A spokeswoman for the Great Western Ambulance Service, said: "What this boy did was extremely dangerous, putting the lives of not just our crew, but the patient and by-standers at risk.

"We respect the magistrates' sentencing decision, but we hope that during his 12 months referral order, the defendant will learn to change his ways and fully respect the implications of his actions."