School pupil receives driving ban

The court heard that the boy wanted to jump-start a quad bike

A schoolboy who took his mother's car was caught after several worried motorists reported he could barely see over the steering wheel, a court heard.

The 15-year-old from Perth, who is about 5ft tall, was banned from driving for two years when he appeared at the city's Sheriff Court.

The court heard that he had taken the car so he could jump-start his quad bike that had broken down.

The boy, who cannot be named, admitted driving without a licence or insurance.

Solicitor John McLaughlin said the teenager had taken the quad bike while his mother was out. It had broken down 300 yards from his home.

People passing were perhaps surprised that someone who looks younger than he actually is was driving and phoned the police John McLaughlin Defence solicitor

"Mum was out and it was a case of 'while the cat's away'," Mr McLaughlin said.

"He knew his mother would not be happy the quad bike was outwith her control and supervision.

"Unfortunately it broke down and no-one could get it restarted. He is not of the largest stature, and his friend is not much bigger, but they tried to push it home before mum came back.

"However, the hill proved too much for them. He knew there were jump leads in his mother's Fiat and he thought the most sensible thing was to take the car down to help start the quad bike.

"People passing were perhaps surprised that someone who looks younger than he actually is was driving and phoned the police."

Mr McLaughlin said his mother had taken away his quad bike but the boy still aimed to be a lorry driver.

He said: "This was not the most auspicious start to his driving career."

Fiscal depute Hannah Kennedy said: "Tayside Police had received several anonymous calls advising that a young person was driving."

The incident took pace in Fortingall Place, Perth, on 27 February.