Man admitted illegally driving brother's car and hiding cannabis in the glove compartment

Adam Smith, 28, of Arnold Street in Boldon Colliery, pleaded guilty to driving without insurance, driving without a licence and possession of cannabis.

Glenda Beck, prosecuting at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, said police were on patrol on January 3 at around 2.40pm when they spotted Smith driving a Renault Megane along Reginald Street, Boldon Colliery.

She said: “They followed it and caused it to stop. They spoke to the driver, that being Mr Smith. They were informed that he wasn’t insured and that he didn’t hold a driving licence.

“He was cautioned and arrested.

“The vehicle was searched and a quantity of cannabis bush was found inside the glove compartment.”

Ms Beck said Smith told police that the car belonged to his brother, but the drugs belonged to him and were for his own personal use.

Jason Smith, defending, said: “He borrowed his brother’s car, there is nothing untoward about that.”

He said the defendant was completely honest with the police and told them straight away that he wasn’t insured and didn’t have a licence.

He said: “As soon as the police spoke to him he said ‘look it’s not insured and I haven’t got a licence’.”

Smith, who already has fines of more than £3,800 owing to the court, was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay a £21 surcharge. He was also given six penalty points.