Dangerous driver back behind bars

A SERIAL offender who has committed 250 crimes has found himself behind bars once again.

James Hutchinson, 52, (above) of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving whilst disqualified at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday, August 11.

On March 1, the owner of a Vauxhall van reported it missing, only for it to be spotted later that day at around 5pm by the owner’s son, the court was told. It was seen on Rodwell Close but displaying false plates and, after it was followed, eventually made its way into Clifton.

Hutchinson was travelling at speeds of 50mph on 30mph roads as he left Clifton, at which point he was being followed by police. He eventually reached a member of the public who was completing a manoeuvre in the road, meaning Hutchinson mounted the pavement at high speed to carry on driving, the court heard.

When the van was eventually stopped by police, they discovered Hutchinson in the driver’s seat, and a background check uncovered he was disqualified from driving.

Tom Heath, prosecuting, told Nottingham Crown Court that Hutchinson had 84 previous convictions for 250 offences, including dangerous driving.

The court heard in mitigation that Hutchinson’s offending started at 11 years old, with a great deal of it occurring before he was 21 – he had problems with drug misuse. Hutchinson was sentenced to 64 weeks in prison and was disqualified from driving for 60 weeks. He must complete an extended retest before he is allowed to drive again.

Judge Simon Mayo QC told Hutchinson: “You drove with false plates and through the streets at speeds of between 40 and 50mph on 30mph roads. No pedestrians were in peril, but it certainly passes the custodial threshold.”