A 23-year-old man from Perry Barr was fined nearly £400 after attempting to teach his 15-year-old brother to drive on a public road without insurance. Police stopped a white BMW on Gavin Way, Perry Barr, and found the teenager behind the wheel. Haaris Farouk, the car’s owner and passenger at the time, admitted he was helping his younger brother learn to drive, stating they were only moving up and down the road in first gear.
Farouk pleaded guilty to causing the use of a motor vehicle without insurance and appeared at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on June 9. He was fined £384, ordered to pay a £154 victim surcharge and £85 in prosecution costs, and was given six penalty points on his driving licence.
The Chair of the Bench acknowledged Farouk’s good character, describing the act as foolish but not malicious. He commended Farouk for pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity.
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The incident occurred on May 3, when officers spoke with Farouk, who confirmed the purpose of the drive. The vehicle was not displaying learner plates, and the officers clarified that even stationary vehicles with the engine running count as being driven under the law.
Representing himself in court, Farouk expressed remorse, saying, “I won’t do it again, I’m sorry.” He also disclosed his monthly income of approximately £2,500, which was taken into account when calculating the fine.