10-05-2025
Banned driver 'impulsively' decided to drive to work, court told
A BANNED driver from rural north Cumbria who was needed at his workplace in Carlisle 'impulsively' decided to drive there.
John Fitzgerald, 36, from Walton, near Brampton, was given a 30-month disqualification for driving dangerously in August of 2023 and told he will remain banned until he passes an extended driving test.
He was also given a ten month jail term.
His formal ban was also scheduled to remain in force until at least May of next year, the court heard..
But on February 6 police spotted him at the wheel of a black Audi A3 as he drove along Brampton Road in Carlisle.
'The driver was stopped and admitted straight away that he was disqualified,' prosecutor Scott Parker told the city's Rickergate court. The defendant admitted the offence as well as driving while not insured.
Read more: Brampton man's aggressive driving included using BMW to ram Audi
Sean Harkin, defending, told the court: 'He is working man as a mechanic, and usually cycles to his place of work. This was a lapse of judgement.
"He was keen to impress his employer.
'He was needed at work but would have struggled to get there, so he made the impulsive decision to drive.
'He knows that orders of the court must be respected and that must be a priority going forward.
'He has no relevant convictions. It was surprising that the author of the pre-sentence report said that she thinks this was not the first time he had done this. He is no longer on drink or drugs.
'He is also in employment and in a stable relationship.'
Deputy District Judge Andrew Teate noted that the defendant had the 'good sense' to plead guilty to the offence at the earliest opportunity.
But the judge said: 'When the court tells you that you should not drive, you are not to drive. It's disappointing that you find yourself back before the court, having made the decision to drive.
'You will have to pass an extended driving test before you get back on the road. These matters are extremely serious.'
The District Judge imposed a 12-month community order which will include 15 days of rehabilitation. He must also pay £85 costs and a victim surcharge of £114.
In addition, the judge added a further three months to the defendant's existing driving ban. Deputy District Judge Teate warned: 'For a second time offence, it is likely you would be sent to custody.'
