The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared in Batemans Bay Local Court on Monday, April 16.

He pleaded guilty to one count of driving recklessly, furiously or speeding in a dangerous manner and failing to stop and assist after causing injury.

Police said the teenager was driving near the intersection of Calga Crescent and Derribong Avenue just after midday on January 10, 2017, when he hit a man walking along the nature strip.

Police said the teenager called out the victim’s name, before reversing sharply and knocking the man to the ground next to a brick fence.

The teenager then drove his car towards the victim on the ground, running into his chest and pinning him against the fence with the vehicle, court documents showed.

Police alleged the teenager then left the scene without rendering assistance.

The victim suffered a broken finger and cuts to his head and chest as a result of the impact.

Defence solicitor Wayne Knox said the incident was “less pre-meditated and more opportunistic”. He said underlying health issues needed to be taken into account.

Magistrate Mark Douglass placed the teenager on a 14-month good behaviour bond and disqualified him from driving for 12 months.

He was ordered to participate in a mental health assessment and take part in all recommended treatment and counselling.

Compensation of more than $4000 for damage to the fence was also sought.