Couple’s shock at learning car thief was joyriding grandson

Teenager took vehicle despite not having licence or insurance

A Perthshire couple reported their car stolen – only to then discover their grandson had taken it for a joyride.

By the time Henry Kavanagh’s younger brother admitted his sibling’s folly, police officers were already on the lookout for the 17-year-old.

He was spotted behind the wheel of the Ford Focus in Crieff’s East High Street, despite lacking a driving licence or insurance.

Perth Sheriff Court heard Kavanagh then made a brief return to the family home to drop off the car before fleeing as he was “too ashamed and embarrassed” to face his grandparents.

The teenager was subsequently reported as a missing person, only to finally return to face the music a few hours later.

Kavanagh and his brother were being looked after by their grandparents while their mother and her partner enjoyed a holiday.

Solicitor Rosie Scott admitted it was not the first time her client had made-off with a family vehicle, revealing he had dodged legal action on a previous occasion.

Kavanagh, of Drummond Terrace, Crieff, pleaded guilty to three charges, including taking and driving away a car without the consent of its owner on February 7 this year.

He also admitted driving without a licence and without insurance.

Mrs Scott said: “He has always wanted to drive and is currently waiting to sit his theory test, having been told by his instructor that he is doing exceptionally well.

“Mr Kavanagh has been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome and can be guilty of impulsive behaviour.”

The solicitor suggested the family “might have dealt with the matter themselves” had they not initially been of the genuine belief the car had been stolen.

That and other comments prompted a swift response from Sheriff Gillian Wade.

She said: “That is all very well, but here we have a 17-year-old boy who has not passed his test who is driving around Crieff.

“As to a diagnosis of Asperger’s, there are plenty of people with a similar condition who do not go out and commit these type of offences.”

The sheriff told Kavanagh: “I am imposing an interim ban and you can take it as given that I will impose a further period of disqualification.”

Sentence was deferred until next month for reports.

“Mr Kavanagh has been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome and can be guilty of impulsive behaviour. ROSIE SCOTT, SOLICITOR