A County Durham motorist drove straight home from court having just been disqualified for drink driving.
Steven Luck, 39, of Middlehope Way, Darlington, admitted driving whilst disqualified when he appeared in custody at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 2nd October 2024.
Driving whilst disqualified is an offence under section 103 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. It has maximum penalty of 26 weeks' custody and/or a fine at level 5 (unlimited) on summary conviction.
It was Luck's second visit to court this week, having been handed a 28-month disqualification at Peterlee Magistrates' Court the previous day.
Luck decided to chance his by driving straight home from the Peterlee court house, which is located next door to the local police station.
Special Constable Howells responded to reports that the dopey driver was taking the 30 mile journey back to Darlington.
Speaking to Luck, SC Howells asked: "Are you aware you've just been to court?"
Luck replied: "Yeah, yeah, yeah."
SC Howells added: "And you've just been disqualified?"
Luck replied: "Yeah, yeah - but I didn't know it starts straight away. Does it?"
I'm calling "bull" on that statement, because it is always made quite clear that a disqualification takes immediate effect.
Magistrates were of the view that Luck's offence was so serious that only a custodial sentence was appropriate.
He was sentenced to 8 weeks' custody and his disqualification was increased to 40 months.
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