15-year-old caught driving his family says: 'This is normal in Poland' (From Southend Standard)
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Under-aged boy caught driving with his parents in car
3:30pm Tuesday 5th March 2013 in News
A 15-YEAR-OLD boy was caught driving his family around Westcliff in an over-loaded car.
The boy, who comes from Poland, claimed his father suffered pains his arm and in his home country, it would be acceptable to drive in those circumstances.
He was spotted by a traffic police officer who thought he looked too young and noticed that the car was overcrowded with four adult passengers in the back.
The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Southend Youth Court, where he pleaded guilty to driving without a licence, without insurance, and with a number of passengers which could cause a danger.
He translated for his mother and father who had both been in the car with him when he was stopped.
He said his father had been driving but when his arm began to hurt he let his son take over.
During the hearing he was asked if he knew he was not allowed to drive a vehicle in this country without a licence.
He replied: “In Poland if somebody has a problem it’s acceptable.”
He was given a six month conditional discharge and six points will be added to his licence when he receives one. He must also pay a £10 victim surcharge and £10 costs.
