A MAN has been fined and banned from driving for twice taking a car without the permission of its owner and other motoring offences.

Danny Hopwood, aged 53, of Gribb View in Thorncombe, was charged with six offences at Weymouth Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, February 1.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of taking a vehicle without the owner's consent, two counts of driving without the relevant insurance, and two counts of driving not in accordance with the relevant licence.

The offences span from August 11 to October 17 of last year.

The court heard how, on two occasions, Hopwood had taken the vehicle for his personal use, without consent, on the High Street in Fortuneswell, Portland. He then incurred the subsequent charges for the driving without the correct insurance and licence conditions.

For the offences Hopwood was fined £50 for each offence of taking the vehicle, £100 for each offence of driving without the relevant insurance, ordered to pay £120 to fund victim services, and costs of £85.

Hopwood has been disqualified from driving for six months: his total court bill is £505.