Jailed driver to miss birth
birth this month, would “do anything” to avoid being imprisoned.
But magistrates said his poor compliance with previous court rulings meant they could show no mercy – and gave him eight weeks behind bars.
Gary Cracknell, chair of the bench, told Short: “We find that the custody threshold has been passed and that immediate custody is appropriate.
“There’s been poor compliance with previous disqualifications.”
Prosecutor said Keith Laidlaw said: “A Pc Hudson will state that they were on duty and were parked at the rear of Wear Street.
“He sees a white Vauxhall Combo turning in the street and immediately recognises the driver. He’s someone he’s previously had dealings with and he’s someone he suspects of being a banned driver.
“He signals for the vehicle to pull over, which it did. Mr Short confirmed he was banned.”
Jason Smith, defending, said: “It’s come up just before Christmas, and he’s a bit short of money. He was given the opportunity of buying and selling this vehicle on the same day.
“Unfortunately for him, there was another incident in the street, which meant the police are there. He pulls down his window and says, “David Short, fair cop”.
“The problem that David has is that every now and again he’ll make a stupid mistake.”
Magistrates also banned Short, who pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and having no insurance, from driving for 26months and he must pay a £122 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.