A DISQUALIFIED motorist ended up before the courts after flouting the law by driving around in his new car.

Darlington man Matthew Garthwaite, of Wordsworth Road, was criticised by magistrates for ignoring his driving ban to buy a new vehicle and subsequently being caught on the road by police.

An initial ban for drink driving was extended on Thursday, April 6 after Newton Aycliffe Magistrates heard the 25-year-old made the foolish decision to drive again after falling in with a bad crowd.

Probation officer Craig Maguire said: “The first question I asked him was why he would buy a car knowing he was banned.

“I suspect he had been driving for some time and not thought about the consequences – he is a man who is easily led.

“He has a peer group of young lads who spend their evenings driving cars and are probably known to these courts.

“He has no issue with drugs or alcohol but with problem solving and thinking through his actions.”

Garthwaite pleaded guilty to charges of driving quite disqualified and driving without insurance.

Chair of the bench Gary Walker extended his ban for 15 months and handed him a 12 month community order, a six-week curfew and £170 costs.

Mr Walker said: “Going against the courts is a serious offence with an ultimate penalty of prison.

“You have the support of your family, a good job and a house – if we wanted to, we could take all of that away.

“We won’t send you to prison but if you come back to court, the next bench may not be as easy-going.”