Lorry driver who had foot on dashboard gets 12-month ban

A lorry driver was stopped by police after he was seen driving his articulated wagon with one foot on the dashboard.

Mindaugas Jucius was in ‘a reclined position’ and had his knee against the window as he drove on the A1(M) near Washington.

A concerned driver saw Jucius swerve twice onto the hard shoulder, South Nortnumbria Magistrates’ Court heard.

Lesley Burgess, prosecuting, said Jucius was later pulled over by traffic police at Seaton Burn services.

She added: “Jucius admitted he had his foot on the dashboard, but said he had no need to emergency brake because he always leaves a big gap to the vehi- cle in front.

“He admitted encroaching onto the hard shoulder, but not to the extent the witness described.”

Jucius, 28, of Mitchell Drive, Spalding, Lincolnshire, denied dangerous driving on March 6, but was convicted after a trial last month. He has a previous conviction for speeding.

Michael Robinson, defending, said: “The vehicle was an automatic, so only needs one foot to drive it.”

Jucius was sentenced to a community order of 12 months, including 60 hours of community work.

He was banned from driving for 12 months, and must take an extended test if he wishes to drive after the ban has expired.