A 15-year-old mute and deaf boy with severe autism has escaped jail after driving toward terrified pedestrians outside Flinders Street Station on grand final day last year.

The Children’s Court on Wednesday heard how the teenager had the language skills of a three- to five-year-old child and would not have understood the impact of his actions when he stole his father’s car and went on a rampage through Melbourne’s CBD dressed in combat gear.

CCTV footage of the teen driving a car through the CBD.

He was given a criminal record and a 12-month youth supervision order after he pleaded guilty to six charges, including reckless conduct endangering life for the September 30 incident which saw him Tasered by police.

The boy lacked significant family support before the attack and isolated himself both at home and school, the court heard.