Man caught trying to drive home moments after being handed driving ban
The driver who went home immediately after leaving the court with a driving ban was given a suspended prison sentence.
Durham Constabulary said Richard Brooks appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Monday and was given a six-month suspension after he was caught using his mobile phone in Barnard Castle last year.
Traffic officers then saw the 54-year-old man get into his car parked outside the Tesco store next door and drive away.
Police said he tried to turn around and go back to the parking lot when he saw the officers in the marked police vehicle.
Officers arrested Brooks, charged him with driving while disqualified and uninsured, and seized his car.
Police said Brooks appeared at the same court on Wednesday after a night in the cells, where his sentence was increased to 18 months and he was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for a year.
The defendant, of Church Street, Guisborough, North Yorkshire, must also complete 150 hours of community service and pay a fine.
Sergeant Chris Milburn, of Durham Roads and Armed Policing Unit, said after the case: “This is to remind everyone that if you are banned from driving, that ban starts immediately.
“If you leave court, get in your car and drive home, we will likely stop you and, as Brooks found out, you will face a much harsher sentence.”
