An unlicensed driver was involved in a collision after taking his mum’s car without permission to go to a doctor’s appointment.

Ben Lockwood, of Turret Lane, Ipswich, pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking and causing injury when he appeared before the town’s magistrates’ court.

The 25-year-old also admitted have no motor insurance and driving otherwise in accordance with a licence.

It was the second time in less than two years that Lockwood had been convicted of driving a vehicle without a licence or insurance.

Prosecutor Ian Allen said the latest offence occurred on January 11 in Valley Road, Ipswich, at 10.15am.

Gabrielle Steward had come to a halt in her Vauxhall Corsa after travelling slowly in a queue of traffic when the Citroen C3 behind her failed to stop.

Ms Steward was jolted forwards.

The court heard there were two males in the Citroen and Lockwood was the driver.

Details were exchanged and the information was passed to police.

It was then discovered the registered keeper of the Citroen was Lockwood’s mother.

When she was spoken to she confirmed she had not given permission for her son to take the car.

Mr Allen said Lockwood had no licence or insurance.

Lockwood had told police he had a doctor’s appointment at the Woodbridge Road surgery and decided to use his mother’s car as she was asleep in bed.

On the return trip there was an accident.

He accepted he had driven into the Corsa causing Ms Steward to sustain whiplash, as well as damage to her car’s bumper.

The court heard Lockwood had a previous conviction for driving without a licence and having no insurance for which he was fined in July 2014.

John Hughes, representing Lockwood, said his client had been travelling at less than 10 miles an hour at the time of accident.

A police car had also been in Valley Road in the near side lane at the time.

Lockwood was in the Citroen with his brother.

District Judge Sally Fudge sentenced Lockwood to 12-month community order.

She also ordered him to complete 60 hours’ unpaid work.

In addition Lockwood was disqualified from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay £85 costs and £60 to the victims’ fund.