Banned driver given prison warning after driving while disqualified

Corrine Calvert, 36, was given the words of caution by District Judge Zoe Passfield, after she pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and without insurance.

Calvert, of Holylake Square, Pennywell, got behind the wheel of a Renault Clio on Friday, December 19, but was spotted by police in the city’s Hylton Road.

She was pulled over and immediately admitted she should not have been motoring, prosecutor Paul Anderson told South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.

At the time, she was half-way through a six-month ban, imposed in September under the points totting system.

Her solicitor insisted she had a “malady” with a leg which may have contributed to her decision to drive.

Mr Anderson said: “It’s a very straightforward matter. She was seen driving and was stopped by the police.

“She made full admissions, saying that she was using the vehicle, essentially to pop to the shops.

“She was approximately half-way through a disqualification. Her record is not lengthy. There is an excess alcohol but that was back in 2014.”

David Forrester, defending, said Calvert, who wept in the dock, had spent two nights in custody awaiting her court appearance after being arrested.

Mr Forrester added: “She has been in custody since Saturday morning. She demonstrates some vulnerabilities.

“She has a leg malady and is struggling to get around and that may be why she drove. Her mum is also not well. There is a lot going on.”

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District Zoe Passfield banned Calvert from driving afresh for six months and fined her £180, with £85 court costs and a £72 victim surcharge.

The judge told her: “I give you full credit for your guilty plea. You’ve had two days in custody, which means I can deal with this by a fine rather than a community order.

“If you drive whilst you are disqualified for a second time, you can expect to go straight to prison.”