You won't go before a judge - it is the magistrates' court.
The minimum points is 6 and the magistrate does not have the authority to award less points.
I don't know what your mate does in the police but he sure isn't a police officer - maybe he's a cook.
I would like a link to the sites where you have seen 3 points for no insurance. It is a serious offence.
From the government website:
"The seriousness of the offence is reflected in the level of the maximum fine, �5,000, and the automatic endorsement of an offender�s licence with 6-8 penalty points. The courts can order the immediate disqualification of the offender. The police also have wide powers to stop vehicles and inspect certificates and this leads to around 300,000 convictions for uninsured driving every year.#"
Note it says 'automatic endorsement .... 6 - 8 points'
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVe hicle/Motorinsurance/DG_067639