A learner driver has been banned before even passing her test after driving through level crossing barriers - and then reversing into the car behind her.

Adenike Akingbogun, 44 of Monarch Drive in Kemsley, drove her car onto a level crossing in Purfleet, Essex, despite the fact the lights were flashing.

She stopped the car as the barriers lowered in front of and behind her car.

VIDEO: Woman crashes on level crossing

Akingbogun then reversed through the barriers, hitting a car waiting behind her and causing more than £1,100 worth of damage to the gates.

She appeared before Basildon magistrates charged with dangerous driving.

She held a provisional licence at the time and was accompanied by a fully licensed driver, but didn't have L-plates on display as legally required.

The accident also caused delays to the roads and rail services.

She was fined £420 and ordered to pay costs of £85, victim services of £42 and was disqualified from driving for a year.

PC Rob Whyte, from the British Transport Police, said: "This incident sends a clear message to drivers that they must comply with the safety equipment at railway level crossings or they risk endangering their lives, the lives of other road users and passengers on board trains.

"There were substantial delays caused to rail services because of this incident, and it was extremely lucky that nobody was injured."

"Akingbogun was not a full licence holder and should have been clearly displaying L-plates on her car when driving it on the public highway.

"It is clear to me that her inexperience on the road contributed to this incident.”