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A Jehovah's Witness apologised in court for taking a fellow worshipper's car and crashing it while she was away on holiday.

The incident happened after learner driver Mark Lowe agreed to "house sit" but had no permission to use her Audi, said Sanjay Jerath, prosecuting.

The vehicle was in a minor collision on Castle Boulevard but the driver did not stop at the scene, prompting police to investigate. When they wrote to the registered keeper, they found that she was in Australia at the time.

Former serviceman Lowe said that he suffered from memory lapses due to depression and is receiving medical help.

Mr Jerath told the court: "He said he can't lie due to his religion being a Jehovah's Witness and the woman was part of the same congregation.

"Her calls her by the form of 'sister' and she refers to him as 'brother.'

"He said that he could not recall driving the car but must have fuelled the car because that information is on his bank statement.

"He certainly knows he should not steal and has done so," added Mr Jerath.

A one-year driving ban was imposed on warehouseman Lowe, 32, of Baslow Way, Mansfield, who must carry out 80 hours community work. He admitted aggravated vehicle taking on October 24.

He told the court that he tried to find an alternative to drugs for post traumatic stress disorder.

"I wanted a better form for PTSD which developed whilst serving with the military.

"I don't claim to be a martyr or hero but would like you to take that into account. I would like to apologise," he said.

Lowe added: "It was not a purposeful act.

"I have nothing to gain from stealing a friend's car. I have everything to lose. I lost my friend, my ability to get to work." He had never been in trouble before.