A learner driver who drove unsupervised and without insurance to avoid being late for work has been fined £520 by magistrates.

Jenna Glover, aged 24, of School Hill Avenue, in Castletown, also had her licence endorsed with seven penalty points for the insurance offence and was ordered to pay £50 prosecution costs.

Prosecutor Mark Benson told the court how, on October 18 at 11.45am, police saw Glover driving a Renault Megane in Arbory Road in Castletown.

She was not displaying ’L’ plates despite the fact that she only held a provisional licence.

Police stopped her, as they were said to be aware she did not hold a full licence, and she admitted she only held a provisional licence and knew that she should have a supervising driver.

She told police that she was late for work and had used the vehicle, admitting that she had no car insurance.

Defence advocate Ian Kermode said: ’Ms Glover purchased the vehicle in order to learn to drive.

’She hadn’t been out in it so that’s why there were no "L" plates. It was insured in her partner’s name but not for her.

’She was late for work and simply took a chance.

’It was a spur of the moment decision made in the heat of the moment trying to get to work on time.’

Mr Kermode went on to say that Glover had no previous convictions and worked part-time as a carer.

’She asks me to apologise to the court for this error of judgement and treat it as a one off,’ said the advocate.