the pilot was not in possession of a licence nor was he a student......
It is common to allow new PPLs to fly solo as a student before the licence arrives in the post. I see no issue with this, as they are still students and flying with the authorisation of an instructor. They are not a qualified PPL until the licence arrives. There is nothing in the ANO that says a pilot ceases to be a student as soon as they have passed their skills test.