Motorist caught driving home from court after ban
Durham ConstabularyA man was caught back behind the wheel by police on the same day he was banned from driving.
Richard Brooks, from Guisborough, was handed a six-month ban on Monday for using his mobile phone while driving in Barnard Castle last year.
The 54-year-old then "decided the best way to get home would be by driving", Durham Constabulary said, and officers caught him heading off from a Tesco car park, close to Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court.
Brooks has now been given a year driving ban and a 12-week suspended jail sentence after admitting driving while disqualified and using a vehicle without appropriate insurance.
The force said after Brooks, of Church Street, spotted the officers' car he attempted to turn around and headed back into the car park.
His car was also seized by officers.
Sgt Chris Milburn said: "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."
