A TEENAGER took his uncle’s pick-up for a drive around Bishop Auckland despite having no licence or insurance, a court heard.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, took the Nissan Navara without permission on April 13 but his drive was cut short by suspicious police officers who pulled him over.

He pleaded guilty at Newton Aycliffe Youth Court today (Monday, June 30) to driving with no insurance or licence and to taking a vehicle without consent.

Mitigating, Laura Moorby said he was a young man without any previous convictions who was in education and hoped to secure an apprenticeship.

Magistrates imposed a six-month referral order, meaning that a panel from the youth offending service will decide which programme will serve best as punishment and rehabilitation.

The youth, who lives in Bishop Auckland, also had six penalty points added to his future licence and was ordered to pay £100 in court costs and charges.