Banned driver took work car to go for a takeaway

A man who drove a work’s car to get a takeaway while serving a 44-month roads ban – then sped from police when spotted - has escaped being jailed by the “skin of his teeth”.

Colin Smith’s “act of stupidity” saw him jump in a Range Rover Evoque that was not his – but he was seen in Usworth Station Road, Usworth, Washington.

Smith, 37, of Collingwood Court, Sulgrave, Washington, made his getaway and abandoned the 2016-plate motor in nearby The Oval, fleeing as police arrived.

But he was soon arrested and admitted to being behind the wheel on Sunday, February 2, just 11 months into his mammoth disqualification for drink-driving.

District Judge Kathryn Meek jailed Smith for 17 weeks but suspended the sentence for 18 months – and banned him for a further 36 months.

She told him: “I’m tempted to send you to prison, because when you drive, you drive illegally, for the most pa r t , but you c a n go fo r chunks of time when you don’t offend.

“Skin of your teeth, Mr Smith, there’s no room for manoeuvre.”

Prosecutor Ben Woodward told South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court: “Police attempted to pull the defendant over.

“He accelerated away and the vehicle was located at The Oval.”

The court heard the car belonged to his employer and Smith had taken it without permission.

Tom Iceton, defending, said: “There’s little that I can say. It was an act of stupidity.

“It was just to get a takeaway. The keys were there as he goes to get into the vehicle.

“He has been on this order and can work with the Probation Service. His officer, who works with him, is deeply disappointed by this.

“I accept that you’ll be looking at a custodial sentence for this particular matter. He has never been to prison.

“He has shown that he has and can work with the Probation Service.”

Smith pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified, driving without insurance and failing to stop.

He must also do 200 hours of unpaid work and pay a £128 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.