A Darlington builder with a ' shocking driving history' already banned from the roads got back behind the wheel as he said he "didn't want to let a customer down".
Police had been looking out for Paul Tweddle’s Mercedes van as it had been flagged up as potentially being driven by a disqualified driver, Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court heard.
The 37-year-old was spotted when he was parked up in Barnard Castle at around 3.50pm one day last month.
John Garside, prosecuting, said: “The police followed the vehicle as it headed towards Darlington before pulling the defendant over.
“They have then spoken to him and confirmed he was driving the van at the time and was already disqualified from driving.”
Mr Garside said the defendant was banned from the roads last June after he was convicted of dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.
Tweddle, of Westland Road, Darlington, pleaded guilty to a new charge of driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance after he was stopped on February 13.
The defendant, who represented himself, told the court he is in the process of selling his van and will start a new job where he won’t be reliant on driving.
“It was irresponsible,” he said. “I accept full responsibility and I know that I was doing wrong.
“I wasn’t driving to make money - I was driving because I didn’t want to let a customer down.
“I am now trying to sell the van and I will be working with someone else, so I won’t need to drive.
“My mother has said she will drive me to any of the jobs that I have to complete.”
Nicola Gregory, the chairwoman of the magistrates’ bench, made the builder subject to an 18-month community order and endorsed his licence with a further six penalty points.
“You have a shocking driving history and you were disqualified at the time,” she said.
Read more
County Durham dealer flooded North East with cocaine and cannabis
Man was caught in possession of homemade spear, cocaine and £10,000 in cash
Low Newton inmate threatened to make prison lover dig her own grave
“You were pulled up again for driving whilst disqualified. You do have a problem with decision making and you have accepted that now.
“The fact you have decided to sell the van is a positive move because it will remove the temptation.”
Tweddle was also ordered to attend 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days, carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and pay £199 towards court costs.
Mrs Gregory added: “You need to realise that if you do this again there is no option other than you will go into custody.”
Share