A woman accused of starting the major wildfire at Dove Stone Reservoir has avoided an immediate jail sentence after admitting dangerous driving on the day of the blaze.

Shania Care-Slede appeared at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court on Tuesday, September 29, having previously pleaded guilty to the charge.

The 20-year-old, formerly of Market Street in Hyde, was handed a 20-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and banned from driving for a year. She must also complete 120 hours of unpaid work and pass an extended driving test before she can get back behind the wheel.

Care-Slede has pleaded not guilty to arson and aggravated arson charges in connection with the major moorland fire which broke out at Dove Stone. She is scheduled to stand trial in May 2027.

The blaze broke out shortly after 8.30pm on July 11 and developed into a major incident, with firefighters spending days tackling flames across the moorland in difficult conditions.

The court was told Care-Slede, of Sherbourne Road in Middleton, was seen on camera with a balloon at her mouth. She was also seen driving without her hands on the steering wheel and using her phone. Prosecutor Adam Lodge said the footage showed a rear seat passenger with a balloon at his mouth, which the Crown says was nitrous oxide, and then showed Care-Slede holding a balloon close to her mouth while scrolling through social media posts.

Defence barrister David James said Care-Slede is studying to become a qualified paramedic and is undertaking courses in beauty therapy. Sentencing, Judge Neil Usher said the mobile phone footage demonstrated "seriously dangerous driving", adding: "At one stage you had neither hand controlling the car. Fortunately, your driving did not cause injury or damage."