LEARNER driver Oliver Gill bought himself a car so he could be ready for the road when he passed his test, a court heard yesterday.

Though he failed his test, Gill, 18, took friends for a drive in his Ford Fiesta. Simon Ostler, prosecuting, told Harrogate magistrates that as Gill drove out of the town he lost control and hit the New Park roundabout on the A61 Ripon Road - sending the car into a wall. Gill, of Knox Lane, Harrogate, and his front seat passenger, ran off.

The two rear seat passengers were only able to walk away because of their injuries.

Police inquiries led to Gill, who was arrested four hours later. He pleaded guilty to careless driving, failing to stop after an accident and failing to report it.

He also admitted not having insurance or a licence and was fined a total of £300 with £69 costs.

Court chairman Jaki Moorhouse, who heard police had impounded the Fiesta until Gill paid towing and storage fees, said that because it was his second insurance offence, he would have to serve a six-month driving ban.

In mitigation, Geoffrey Rogers said Gill, an apprentice car sprayer, had been in the car for the first time after buying it because friends had persuaded him to take them for a drive.