Learner drove without L plates then said boyfriend was driving

A learner got behind the wheel without a supervising driver and then tried to claim her boyfriend had been driving.

Levi Dixon was spotted kneeling at the front of a car by police officers on patrol, who watched as she drove off.

Depute fiscal Craig Donald told Perth Sheriff Court: “It was 7.10pm and police officers were on patrol when they noticed the vehicle mentioned in the charge. They also noticed the accused, who was kneeling down at the front of the vehicle.

“The police suspected the accused may drive the vehicle and parked so they could observe.

“They saw the accused enter the vehicle and drive off before being lost to sight.

“The vehicle was traced and at that time it was parked and there were no L plates displayed. The accused had been seen walking away.

“The police approached the accused and spoke to her. She said the vehicle belonged to her boyfriend and became confrontational.”

He said that when cautioned and charged Dixon had replied: “It was my boyfriend driving, it wasn’t me.”

Solicitor Paul Ralph, defending, said: “She would have been insured if she had had a qualified driver with her and had L plates.”

The 26-year-old, of Strathtay Road, Perth, admitted to failing to display L plates and not being accompanied by a qualified driver while driving on a provisional licence while driving on Tulloch Terrace and Carnes Crescent on July 16 last year.

She further admitted that on the same date and location she drove without insurance.

Sheriff William Wood imposed nine penalty points on Dixon and fined her a total of £450.