A woman has been fined for driving without tax and insurance.

Malissa Louise Rutherford, of Snaefell Road, Willaston, told police she was unaware the tax had expired and believed she was covered on her brother’s insurance policy.

Magistrates heard that police received information on February 24 that an untaxed Seat Alhambra was being driven in Willaston daily.

Police found the vehicle parked on Julian Road in Willaston with its tax expired in 2016. Rutherford was not at home so the vehicle was seized by police.

She later contacted police and admitted driving but said that she was unaware the vehicle’s licence had expired.

Rutherford said she believed she was covered to drive the car which was owned by her brother.

Advocate Ian Kermode said: ’Ms Rutherford was labouring under the misapprehension that the vehicle owned by her brother had her named on the insurance policy.

’She was paying him £11 per month on the understanding he would add her name to the insurance so she could learn to drive in his car. Sadly it seems he took the money and didn’t add her.’

Mr Kermode said Rutherford’s brother had been ill.

Rutherford was fined £500 and had her licence endorsed with six penalty points. She must also pay £50 costs.