Unfortunately the vast majority of people could not tell the difference between a 100hr TT PPL and an ex FJ 20K TT heavy Captain. to them they are a "pilot" and they make the assumption that a "pilot" can fly anything, ignorance is breathtaking.
That apparently this guy had a (possibly FAA) PPL without an IR (or even IMC), no night rating and was flying SEP in bad weather with icing at night... FFS rather him than me... but taking somebody along with him.... well out of order.
Sorry, no matter how this turns out pretty obvious this flight should not have taken place in those circumstances.