Disqualified Ferryhill driver caught behind the wheel of BMW

Tony Daly was spotted driving on the Shell garage forecourt in Wolsingham, County Durham and was pulled over by the police as he drove along the A689.

Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ court heard the 36-year-old was convicted for dangerous driving in 2008 and had not passed an extended driving test to get his licence back.

Dan Hill, prosecuting, said Daly was arrested at around 5pm on April 24 this year after police discovered he was disqualified and uninsured.

Daly, of Dennison Terrace, Ferryhill, admitted driving while disqualified and without insurance.

Ben Pegman, mitigating, said Daly's partner suffers from a medical condition that can cause seizures and missed a pre-sentence report meeting with the Probation Service after she fell ill.

He told the court that Daly had not committed any motoring offences in more than five years.

Professor Ian Neal, the chairman of the bench, said: “This is really complicated for us as there is a lot going on in your life – we understand that.

See more court stories from The Northern Echo by clicking here

• Three people, including a Big Brother contestant, admit role in pub arson attack

• 'Paranoid' prisoner Joe Outlaw caused £170k damage during Frankland rooftop protest

• Teenage drug dealer caught red-handed with almost £5,000 of crack cocaine

“You seem to have turned your life around, we are sorry to hear about the medical issues with your partner, and you are moving forward with your life.

“What you need to do is get yourself sorted out and take your extended test. It’s not that hard, you just need to do it and get your licence back.

“Then you can drive your BMW and get your life moving forward again.”

Daly, was fined £120, ordered to pay £133 towards court costs and had his licence endorsed with six penalty points which will be activated once he gets his licence back.