A newly-qualified driver’s bid to hit TikTok fame ended with her friend in intensive care with a fractured skull and bleed on the brain after the pair tried to recreate a social media ‘prank’. 

Natasha Graham, 19, of South Shields, South Tyneside, was behind the wheel of her Fiat 500 while her friend gripped on to the front of her vehicle in a supermarket car park in Sunderland last November. 

Newcastle Crown Court heard from the victim who could not be identified for legal reasons. He lost his grip while trying to create the fake social media joke and was left with severe injuries.

Graham received a suspended sentence from the prison for his ‘immature and wholly irresponsible’ driving prank.

Newly-qualified driver Natasha Graham, 19, (Pictured) of South Shields, South Tyneside, was behind the wheel of her Fiat 500 while her friend gripped on to the front of her vehicle in a supermarket car park in Sunderland last November

Newly-qualified driver Natasha Graham, 19, (Pictured) of South Shields, South Tyneside, was behind the wheel of her Fiat 500 while her friend gripped on to the front of her vehicle in a supermarket car park in Sunderland last November

Newcastle Crown Court heard the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, lost their grip trying to recreate the social media 'prank' and ended up with serious injuries that put them in intensive care. Pictured: Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle

Newcastle Crown Court heard that the victim was not named because of legal reasons. They lost control while trying to replicate the social media “prank” and suffered serious injuries which required them to be admitted in intensive care. Pictured: Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle

Kevin Wardlaw, the prosecution’s attorney, told the court that the offense occurred at Morrisons in Sunderland. The defendant tried to make a video in which a car was driven while someone is on it.

“The defendant admits that her driving was not up to the standard of competent and cautious driver.”

According to the court, the vehicle, with one additional passenger, was initially reversed, while the victim remained.

Graham tried to manoeuvre the manoeuvre once more after she had stopped. However, this time she moved forward.

Wardlaw stated that “The defendant continued to move slowly.” She expected that the complainant would hold the vehicle until it was stopped.

“It is not the prosecution’s case that the defendant intentionally caused the injuries suffered by the complainant.

“The complainant doesn’t recall much about the incident, but can remember that they were in the same carpark where they tried to make the video.

Although it was unclear what caused the victim to abandon the vehicle, one witness reported hearing a crackling sound from the nearby area.

The victim was transported to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary and treated for a broken skull and bleeding brain. She has been doing well since then.

According to Mr Wardlaw, Graham had just started to learn the car. He also struggled to locate the throttle point to allow it to accelerate.

According to some, the sound of the engine might have caused grip loss and surprised the complainant.

Graham admitted to causing severe injury through dangerous driving.

Tom Gent was an agreeing witness and told the court, “This is clearly a tragic situation.”

“She clearly regrets what she did. It is clear that she would love to turn the clock back.

“It was, my submission. A foolish and imprudent decision. It was taken jointly by the group. But it is still foolish and irresponsible.

The defendant stopped her car and got out. She immediately sought the help of the complainant.

“She called 911 and got a blanket.

“She is a good driver and she has not been involved in any type of trouble that has led to the police.

Graham was told by Assistant Judge Advocate General Edward Legard: “This was in all likelihood an irresponsible but immature driving prank which has resulted in a serious injury.”

“Cars aren’t toys. These heavy metal objects are pulled by engines and can often cause serious injury or even death when they are used in an unsafe manner.

“You thought it would be fun and exciting to try to replicate a TikTok video in which one person holds the bonnet of the car while it was being driven about.”

Graham was told by the judge that Graham’s offence exceeded the threshold for custodial custody, however, he agreed to suspend the sentence due to her personal mitigation.

He concluded by saying, “I accept you continue to feel your pain.”

‘There is no doubt about the sincerity and regret of your actions. With some care, I’ve decided to suspend the sentence.

Her sentence was to be served in a Young Offender’s Institute for 12 months, suspended for 18 months.

Additionally, 200 hours must be unpaid. She will also not be allowed to drive for the next two years.