DISQUALIFIED DRIVER MADE A ‘GENUINE MISTAKE’

DISQUALIFIED driver Andrew Coles was caught behind the wheel after police noticed the car he was driving was insured to a woman.

The 54-year-old was pulled over in Ford Green Road, Norton, after officers carried out a check and discovered the car was only insured for a woman to drive.

They then found out he was in fact a banned driver, having been disqualified for six months under the totting up procedure on November 19.

Now Coles has been hit with a £289 court bill and handed six penalty points on his licence.

Prosecutor Angela Trafford told North Staffordshire Justice Centre police noticed the defendant’s vehicle on April 24 and believed it was travelling at speed. Miss Trafford said: “The defendant was asked to stop. He was asked about his insurance. The officer ran a check and was told the defendant was a disqualified driver until May 18.”

Coles, of Burnaby Road, Goldenhill, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and driving without insurance. Robert Holt, mitigating, said: “It was a genuine mistake. It is very close to the end of the disqualification period. You could allow him to return to work.”

Magistrates said it was an ‘oversight’ on the defendant’s part.

They said they would not give him a further ban but reminded him he is still banned until May 18. He was fined £120 and ordered to pay £135 costs and a £34 surcharge.