Uninsured Sunderland learner driver banned from roads
An uninsured Sunderland learner driver has been banned from the roads after his luck ran out when he chanced his hand by riding a motorbike in public twice in two days.
Clayton Smart, 24, was spotted by police on a Surron vehicle in White House Road, Hendon, on Monday, October 27, a court heard.
They made no attempt to stop Smart, of Arnold Road, Farringdon, but he was easily identifiable as he was not wearing a helmet, prosecutor Holly Clegg said.
But the next day, he revved up his wheels in Warwick Drive, East Herrington, but this time officers forced him to stop, magistrates in South Tyneside were told.
Checks revealed he only held a provisional driving licence and did not have insurance for a type of bike his own solicitor admitted was causing police endless problems.
Ms Clegg said: “On both occasions the defendant was observed by police to be the sole occupant of a motorbike travelling on public roads and not wearing safety gear.
“On October 27 police observed him driving but he was not stopped, but on the second occasion, they located him and stopped the vehicle.
“He is of previous good character and has no previous convictions.”
Smart pleaded guilty to two counts each of driving without insurance and driving without a licence.
David Forrester, defending, said Smart originally also faced a charge of dangerous driving, which had gone so far as to reach Newcastle Crown Court.
But he revealed the allegation had been reviewed by prosecutors and dropped, meaning his remaining charges could be heard by the lower magistrates’ court.
Mr Forrester added: “It was one of these new-fangled motorbike-type cycles that are causing problems with the police.
“People don’t understand that these bikes count as motorcycles on the roads. He has been on the roads on it twice.
“It’s the same as having a car, you need documents. He knows that you’re going to have to disqualify him today, albeit he doesn’t hold a licence.”
Magistrates banned Smart from driving for six months and fined him £120 for each count of driving without insurance, with £85 court costs and a £48 victim surcharge.