Mark Scott drove while banned for the SIXTH time. He mounted the footpath in Blyth, adding to his driving history.
The court heard that Scott, 35, was banned for dangerous driving in 2016 and required a specific test to regain his license. He had repeatedly ignored the ban since then.
The most recent incident occurred last October. Scott appeared in court this week, where he pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified, having no insurance, and driving without a valid MOT.
Prosecutor Glenda Beck explained that an officer on Cowpen Road in Blyth on October 22 noticed a Renault van driving in the center of the road. The Renault van’s erratic driving prompted the officer to activate lights and siren and follow it.
Checks revealed the van had no insurance or MOT. Initially, the van did not stop. The officer pulled alongside, flashed lights, pointed to the mirror, and instructed the driver to halt.
The van then mounted a footpath before finally stopping. The officer confiscated the keys, and the driver identified himself as Mark Scott.
Scott’s prior convictions included dangerous driving in 2016 and disqualified driving in 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2024. The defense lawyer argued that Scott mistakenly believed he didn’t need the required test.
Despite his extensive record, the judge offered Scott a final opportunity to avoid immediate imprisonment. He received a 16-week jail sentence, suspended for one year, underscoring Scott’s frequent appearances in court for driving offenses.
The judge emphasized the repetitive nature of the offenses and stated that previous violations aggravated the current situation.