Disqualified driver banned again after trying to drive home from court

This is Richard Brooks.

Brooks appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Monday (February 9) where he was banned from driving for six months.

He’d been caught using his mobile phone while driving in Barnard Castle last year.

Upon leaving court, Brooks decided the best way to get home would be…by driving.

He was seen by officers getting into his car, which was parked in the nearby Tesco car park, and driving off.

Upon spotting the officers’ marked traffic car as he started to exit the car park, the 54-year-old attempted to turn around and headed back into the car park.

He was arrested by officers and brought into custody, where he was charged with driving while disqualified and using a vehicle without appropriate insurance.

His car was also seized.

Having spent a night in the cells, Brooks, of Church Street, Guisborough, was back at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court yesterday (February 10) where he admitted the new offences.

Magistrates extended his driving ban by 12 months to 18 months, and handed him a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for a year.

He was also ordered to complete 150 hours of community service and pay a fine.

Sergeant Chris Milburn, from Durham Roads and Armed Policing Unit, said: “This is a reminder to everyone that if you’re banned from driving, then that ban starts immediately.

“Should you then leave court and get into your car to drive home, it is highly likely that we will stop you, and you will be facing a much harsher punishment – as Brooks has now found out.”