Man gave partner lift to work while disqualified

A MAN was caught driving while disqualified when he gave his partner an early morning lift to work.

Llanelli Magistrates’ Court heard how Sion Bowden’s partner had no idea he was banned when she got in the car on May 3. Bowden had, in fact, been banned from getting behind the wheel since December 1, 2016 when a court banned him for three years for drink driving.

Appearing at court, Bowden, aged 34, of Isgraig, Burry Port, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and to driving with no insurance.

Prosecutor Linda Baker said: “Mr Bowden was disqualified for driving with excess alcohol, a three year disqualification.

“Police pulled him over in a Peugot belonging to his partner on May 3 at 7.30am on Derwen Road in Tumble and it was revealed he was a disqualified driver.

“He made a full admission to the officer.”

Defence solicitor Laura Sherwood said: “My client was honest from the start with police, he was driving while disqualified and admitted his wrong-doing.

“He was spoken to at the roadside and that was where the police interview took place, too.”

She added Bowden’s disqualification period was due to end in November this year. Miss Sherwood explained: “The vehicle belonged to his partner, she was unaware he was disqualified.

“On that morning, she needed a lift to work a short distance from their home. There was no evidence of bad driving and the stop by police was just a routine traffic stop.”

Magistrates fined Bowden £121 for driving while disqualified and disqualified him from getting behind the wheel for another nine months.

However, the new ban will run concurrently with the existing one. He was also told to pay £85 court costs and £30 victim surcharge. Magistrates imposed no separate penalty for the charge of driving without insurance.