A MAN pleaded guilty to three driving offences before Darlington Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Andrew Lewis, of Kempton Court, in Redhall, Darlington, was disqualified from the roads for six months and was ordered to pay more than £200 in court costs and fines.

The 22-year-old admitted riding a motorcycle without insurance, without a valid licence and without headgear.

The court heard Lewis had bought the motorcycle for a relative and it was only intended for off-road use and would, therefore, not need full insurance.

However, last October, police caught him riding the vehicle along Coombe Drive.

Lewis was represented by Graham Hunsley, who, in mitigation, told the court that he disposed of the motorcycle as soon as he was charged.

The magistrates' chairman, Dennes Garraway, said: "These offences put together are going to cost you dearly.

"As well as being disqualified from driving any vehicle for the next six months, you will be ordered to pay a £100 fine for having no insurance, £42 in court costs, a £50 fine for not having a licence and a £15 fine for not wearing appropriate, protective headgear."