A PROVISIONAL licence holder who works in a Chinese takeaway decided to drive unaccompanied and without L plates because he wanted to help his father out, Island magistrates were told.

Lifeng Chen, 25, admitted driving without a full driving licence and MOT on Newport Road, Lake, on January 16.

An additional charge of driving without due care and attention was withdrawn by the Crown Prosecution Service due to a lack of evidence.

Chen, of Ko Sing Chinese Takeaway, on Sandown Road, Lake, drove without displaying L plates and unaccompanied by someone with a full driving licence, said Ann Smout, prosecuting, at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Monday.

Chen, who appeared in court unrepresented, told the bench he drove because he was helping out his father.

Magistrates fined Chen £69 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £34 victim surcharge.

Chen, who appeared in court with six penalty points already on his licence, was handed a further three points.

Court legal adviser, Fran Thornton, warned Chen faced a driving disqualification as a totter if he was to receive any further points on his licence.