A man who sent a fake Cypriot driving licence to the DVLA in a bid to gain a valid UK version after failing his test 10 times has appeared in court.

David Melbourne had failed “time after time” so resorted to taking an intensive course on the Isle of Sheppey.

The 32-year-old, of River View, Rushenden, spent two days driving around Sheppey, Medway Magistrates’ Court was told.

Terry Knox, prosecuting, said: “This is an unusual case which involves a fake Cyprian driving licence which was sent to the DVLA to gain a UK driving licence, as someone who had a Cyprian licence would be able to drive in the UK without taking a test here.

“He claims he paid £1,500 for a crash course on the Isle of Sheppey by a Cypriot-looking man.

“He got an email in his inbox (after passing) with his (Cypriot) licence.”

Deputy District Judge Robert Brown heard the fake licence was sent to the DVLA on September 30 last year in the hope the agency would issue Melbourne with a valid UK one.

“It was a very stupid and dishonest thing to do, people have to have trust in the driving licence system…”

Mr Knox added: “He would have been uninsured and have no licence if he had driven, and it brings the whole driving process into disrepute, as there would be no (real) licence.”

Paul Ruse, defending, told the court his client had honestly believed he was taking a crash driving course.

He added: “Even his mum, who is here at the back of the court, says he met a Turkish man and they spent two days driving around the Isle of Sheppey and afterwards he emailed and said ‘here is your licence’.

“He has tried 10 times to pass his driving test but he has dyslexia.”

Melbourne was charged with fraud by false representation and admitted the offence when he appeared in court on Tuesday, May 13.

Judge Brown said: “I can imagine how frustrated you must be at failing your driving test time after time, but again, that’s also a good reason for you not be be on the road until you pass (a real UK test).

“Until then, you shouldn’t be anywhere near a vehicle.

“It was a very stupid and dishonest thing to do, people have to have trust in the driving licence system.”

Judge Brown, who told Melbourne he would give him credit for his early guilty plea, added: “You have been out of trouble for a while, so I am going to jail you for 12 weeks for the offence, but I can suspend the term for 12 months.”

He also ordered Melbourne to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and pay a victim surcharge of £154 and £85 court costs.