Uninsured man used car to get sandwiches

David Andrew McDonald (21), of Gate End, admitted charges of driving the Citroen Xantia without the permission of the owner; absence of insurance and absence of licence.

The offences were detected by police on December 11 last year in the area of Taughey Road/Newbridge Road near Ballymoney, North Antrim Magistrates Court in Coleraine was told on Friday.

A prosecutor told the court McDonald said to police he had taken the vehicle to go out and buy some sandwiches.

A defence solicitor said McDonald had only driven the vehicle some 500 yards to get the sandwiches when he was stopped by police.

District Judge Richard Wilson said he should have “jogged”.

His solicitor added: “It was a bit foolish but also lazy as well.”

Mr Wilson noted that McDonald, who is now unemployed, had previously driven without insurance.