DRIVING with no insurance or MOT cost a Hartlepool man £285 in fines and court costs yesterday.

Roy Ritchie admitted both offences when he appeared before magistrates in Richmond.

However, the court was told he believed he was insured when he was stopped by police near Crakehall in October, and only learnt the truth when he contacted his broker.

Magistrates were also told Ritchie believed he had an MOT certificate for his van at home but was unable to find it.

Rather than prolong the case, he decided to plead guilty to bring the matter to a close.

As well as a £240 fine and costs of £45, Ritchie's driving licence was endorsed with six penalty points.