Peterborough man Tomas Zickus in King’s Lynn court after driving aunt’s car in Hunstanton while still a learner

A 24-year-old took two friends on a trip in his aunt’s BMW despite having not passed his test.

Tomas Zickus appeared at Lynn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday charged with three offences.

He pleaded guilty to taking a car without consent, driving it without third party insurance, and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

Crown prosecutor Nicola Lamb told magistrates that on April 13 this year, police were on mobile patrol on the A149 at Hunstanton when they pulled Zickus over.

He had two passengers in the car at the time, but only held a provisional licence. There were no fellow adults in the BMW at the time, nor were any learner plates being displayed.

Ms Lamb said it transpired that the car belonged to Zickus’ aunt, who told police she had never given her nephew permission to drive it.

Zickus’ solicitor said the defendant has taken steps to pass his theory test since his offences, but has had to put those on hold due to his bail conditions.

“He is not somebody who thinks the rules don’t apply to him, and that he is special,” the solicitor said.

“He had permission to work on the vehicle, but not to drive it after that. He decided to take his close mates to Hunstanton.

“He has learned his lesson.”

Magistrates, led by Terrance Geater, fined Zickus, who lives at St Katherines Mews in Hampton Hargate, Cambridgeshire, £461 for taking the vehicle. He will also pay £105 in legal costs and a £184 victim surcharge.

He was handed six penalty points for driving without insurance, and had his licence endorsed for driving unauthorised as a learner.