Serial motor menace’s 'worst excuse ever' for latest offence
A repeat offender who broke a five-year driving ban to pick up a table has been told by magistrates it was the worst excuse they had ever heard.
Mark Robson, 42, was caught at the wheel after driving across Sunderland city centre to collect the piece as a favour for his girlfriend.
Robson, of Wilson Terrace, Tunstall, Sunderland, was handed the disqualification – and a 12-month suspended jail term – in June 2018 for drink-driving.
A court heard his latest offence, committed on Wednesday, May 13, was at least his eighth for driving while disqualified since 1997.
Magistrates in South Tyneside declined to jail Robson, but handed him another suspended sentence and an extended 37-month road ban.
Tony Hewison, chair of the bench, told him: “You’ve got to be aware that you have a blatant disregard for court orders. Going out to buy a table is probably the worst excuse we’ve ever heard. This can’t go on, Mr Robson.”
Prosecutor Jeff Taylor said Robson had set off from Silksworth at the behest of his partner, who had asked for the favour.
Mr Taylor said: “An officer was on patrol in Kier Hardie Way, when he noticed a Vauxhall Vivaro, which pulled on to Southwick Road.
“A check came back as the van having no insurance. He forced it to stop in Thompson Road. Mr Robson identified himself and said he was a banned driver and had no insurance.
“There are details of nine driving while disqualified on his record.”
Paul McAlindon, defending, insisted Robson had only been caught eight times.
He added: “Despite the number, if you look at them the history is that they go back a number of years.
“His record is an aggravating factor, but if you look at it, there are positives.
“It was a situation where he was trying to help someone. It’s a decision he took wrongly.”
Magistrates jailed Robson for eight-weeks, suspended for 18-months, and banned him from driving until December 2023.
He was given an 18-month community order with a requirement of 30 days of rehabilitation work with the Probation Service.
He must also carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and pay £85 costs and a £128 victim surcharge.