MAGISTRATES have allowed a young man to keep his licence after being convicted of driving without insurance.

Daniel Smith, of Dixon Way, Coundon, near Bishop Auckland, was stopped by police at about 12.30am on July 9 last year while behind the wheel of a Mitsubishi L200.

Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court heard that the 20-year-old had hired the van in a bid to start up a business.

Lawrence Petterson, mitigating, said the defendant assumed he was covered by insurance to drive the vehicle and made efforts to seek confirmation from the now folded business following the incident.

Chairman of the bench Steve Butterworth said: “That argument finds favour with us and we accept what you have said.

“We find there are sufficient reasons not to endorse your licence.”

Smith, who initially denied the offence but admitted yesterday, was given a six-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £20 victim surcharge.