A learner driver “got into difficulties” when he took his grandmother’s car for a spin in the middle of the night without her permission, Arbroath Sheriff Court has heard.
Michael Alexander Wood, 24, was stranded two miles from Edzell after taking the Peugeot 207 from Bloomfield Crescent in Arbroath.
During his appearance on Monday Wood, of Dunblane Drive, East Kilbride, admitted that between Saturday and Sunday he took and drove the car without the owner’s consent.
He also admitted that, as the holder of a provisional licence, he drove the car without a full licence holder supervising him and without insurance.
Depute fiscal Jill Drummond said: “The accused is the grandson of Peter and Elizabeth Wood and holds a provisional licence. He arrived to spend the weekend with them at noon on Friday.
“The car is registered to Elizabeth and she and her husband are the only people insured to drive it. At around 10pm on Saturday Elizabeth and Peter went to bed, leaving the accused in their other bedroom.
“Some time later, he entered the car and made his way to Edzell before deciding to turn back. He then got into difficulties and the vehicle was damaged.
“The accused phoned a friend who conveyed him back to her home. At 7am on Sunday, Elizabeth Wood woke and went downstairs and noticed the vehicle wasn’t there.
“She checked the accused’s bedroom and saw it had not been slept in but his possessions were still there. She also noticed the front door was unlocked. She contacted the police to report the matter.”
Ms Drummond said while police officers were at the property, a text message from Wood to his grandmother was received.
It read: “Hi Gram av git a lot of explaining to do, im trying to get my pall in hospital, he got stuck up Glenesk.
“I took car to get him and car get a flat and spun nd am sorry. Sorry aint good enough, I know that.
“I’ll phone you when I get hospital. I’ll take full fault. Sorry.”
Ms Drummond added: “Mrs Wood tried to phone the accused back but did not get an answer.
“She then received a text message saying the car was two miles past Edzell.”
Sheriff Gregor Murray deferred sentence until March 4 for background reports and granted Wood bail.