A CAR was auctioned off by police after an uninsured driver 'borrowed it from a friend.'

Dorset Police No Excuse team attended Weymouth Magistrates Court after the car was seized earlier in the year.

The driver was stopped and found to have no insurance. He was also issued with a £300 fine and six points.

A spokesman for the force said: "On the day the driver stated he borrowed the car from a friend under some kind of hire agreement.

"He was from London and just down for the weekend."

According to police the 2015 Mazda was never collected from the compound and has since been auctioned off.

The driver pleaded not guilty at an earlier hearing, so a trial was set for yesterday.

However the man failed to appear at court.

In his absence the magistrates handed him a £660 fine, £280 costs and six penalty points.

The spokesman added, "It is unclear why the driver did this - it has worked out an expensive trip for him.

"Please keep and check your documents are in order. We are dealing with more drivers who have borrowed cars from friends or family for a short period and don't check their documents, probably."

However it's not just the driver who could face penalties. According to police the registered keepers of such vehicles could also be liable for a fine and points - even if they are not in the vehicle.

On top of this they could also be asked to pay for recovery and storage charges to get the vehicle back.

"Please think twice before you pull off - if your documentation isn't in order don't drive," the spokesman said.

"You either have it or you don't."