AN East London driver, who was sentenced for overtaking a cyclist without due care and attention, has not been banned from driving, on account of multiple specific family needs.

Abdul Noim, aged 53, of Saville Road, Chadwell Heath, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on September 15 when he changed his plea to guilty.

On February 16 at Dinas Cross, Pembrokeshire, the defendant drove a BMW X5 car without due care and attention.

A cyclist was travelling west from Dinas Cross along the A487 before the turning to Llanychaer. The defendant, who was travelling in the same direction, then conducted an overtaking manoeuvre of the cyclist at an unsafe speed and distance to the cyclist; the defendant did not leave his own lane to pass the cyclist. The standard of driving of the defendant fell well below that of a reasonable and competent driver, the court heard.

The magistrates’ sentence, however, was tempered with mercy, taking into account exceptional circumstances, and no disqualification was ordered.This was on account of the detrimental impact a driving ban would have on immediate family based on the families needs to attend multiple medical appointments.

The defendant’s 10-year-old son has autism that requires multiple medical appointments and school runs. Public transport cannot be facilitated owing to the child’s autism. The defendant’s wife is a blue badge holder and cannot drive long distances and therefore requires the defendant to be the main driver including helping to take her to her own medical appointments. The youngest child, aged 3, also requires nursery school pick up and drop off. The defendant is her main carer.

Noim received six penalty points on his licence and was fined £388 for the offence. In addition, he is to pay court costs of £400 and a £155 surcharge to fund victim services.