A YOUTH has been banned from driving after taking a car without consent and using it without a licence.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons in relation to his age, pleaded guilty to three driving offences on Tuesday.

This included: taking a vehicle without the owner's consent (TWOCing), using a motor vehicle on a road or public place without third-party insurance, and driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

The teenager took a vehicle in the Pudsey area without having permission from the owner of the car.

He was then caught driving that vehicle in the Stanningley area on the same day, despite not being insured on the car or having the right licence.

The youth was banned from driving for 12 months when he was sentenced at Leeds Magistrates' Court.

He was also referred to a Youth Offender Panel for a period of nine months, during which time he must attend meetings and may be accompanied by a parent and representative of the local authority, if they wish.

The teenager's guilty pleas to the three offences were taken into account when sentencing.