A motorist caught driving whilst disqualified on his way to Tenby has appeared in court.
Twenty-two-year-old Jamie Jones, of Grove Lane, Penrhiwtyn, Neath, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates court on Tuesday to plead guilty to a charge of driving an Audi A3 whilst disqualified; and driving without third parry insurance.
Prosecutor Abul Hussain told the court that a police officer stopped Mr. Jones in his vehicle travelling on the A477 at Milton at around 8 pm on April 27.
“A stop check was carried out as the vehicle was flagged up as not having a valid MOT. It was established by the officer that the driver was disqualified until June 26 of this year.
“He had been handed the disqualification on the totting up process and given penalty points in his absence at a case at Cardiff crown court last December.
“Mr. Jones was apologetic to the officer and said that he wasn’t aware that he was disqualified,” explained Mr. Hussain.
Defence solicitor Mike Kelleher told the court that Mr. Jones had been stopped some months before by police officers for driving with no insurance, and told them of his new address that was different to what was on his licence.
“He was expecting to hear notification of a court hearing, but heard nothing. On this occasion he was driving to Tenby with his girlfriend to see her parents.
“Mr. Jones was totally unaware he was banned. The police officer even stated in his report of the shocked look on the defendant’s face when he was told.
“It was a genuine mistake on his part and he is full of remorse,” added Mr. Kelleher.
Magistrates fined Mr. Jones £276 for the offence and imposed six penalty points on his licence.
He was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £85 and a £30 victim surcharge.