Disqualified Droitwich driver lucky to escape jail - The Droitwich Standard

Disqualified Droitwich driver lucky to escape jail

Droitwich Editorial 21st May, 2014 Updated: 17th Oct, 2016   0

A SELF-employed brick-layer avoided jail despite being caught driving while disqualified.

Matthew Hunter, of Elizabeth Avenue, Droitwich, was also found to have no insurance, no valid test certificate and no driving licence when he was stopped by police on the A46 in Alcester.

On April 17, about 5.30pm the 42-year-old was driving a silver Vaxuhall Corsa when officers checked their database as the vehicle flashed up as having no insurance, Worcester Magistrates Court heard last Friday (May 16).

Hunter, who was disqualified from driving for 14 months on April 19 last year, admitted he had no licence and insurance but told police his name was Martin Prince and gave a different date of birth.




The court also heard how the defendant’s co-worker, who he relied on to travel to jobs, hadn’t returned from a festival the previous weekend so he used the vehicle after finding himself under increasing pressure to finish a job.

Hunter was given a community order for 12 months with 100 hours of unpaid work and six points on his licence after he pleaded guilty to driving whilst disqualified.


He was also issued with fines of £300 for using a vehicle without third party insurance and £200 for obstructing a constable in the execution of his duty.

Defending solicitor Richard Hull said: “He deeply regrets his actions and understands he shouldn’t have driven while disqualified.”

Hunter received no separate charges for using a motor vehicle without a valid test certificate and failing to display a vehicle licence, but was ordered to pay court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £60.

Chair of the Bench Ross Garratt said: “You have driven while disqualified which is a very serious offence and you could have gone to prison.

“Should you do this again I think you can safely say what the outcome will be.”

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