Banned driver with a ‘total disregard’ for the law spared jail after being behind the wheel of Mercedes

Lewis Shaw, 31, Hexham Road, Pennywell, Sunderland, took a car out for spin after helping his brother fix it up.

He did so despite being disqualified for not passing an extended driving test after a danger-driving conviction in 2018.

Shaw was pulled over at the wheel of the C-class Mercedes by police in Shepherd Way, Fatfield, Washington, on Wednesday, December 2.

At South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, Doreen Stoneman, chair of the bench, slammed him for his repeated motoring offences.

She told him: “We’ve noted that you had full knowledge of the fact that you were disqualified.

“There’s a total disregard for previous court orders and, therefore, we believe this has crossed the custody threshold.”

Shaw was handed an eight-week prison term, suspended for 12 months, and eight penalty points.

But he was spared a roads’ ban after the court was told he was applying for his provisional driving licence.

Prosecutor Leanne Duffy said: “An officer was on duty in the Washington area when he saw a Mercedes C-class being driven by the defendant.

“Checks showed the vehicle had no insurance, and the car was stopped.

“Further checks revealed that the defendant was a disqualified driver.”

The court heard Shaw has five previous convictions from 12 offences, six of which are motoring.

He was last before the courts in February last year for the same offence.

Jason Smith, defending, said: “He was disqualified because he did not pass a test following his dangerous driving. He remains disqualified until he passes an extended test.

“It was quite late at night and had been asked by his brother to sort out a car.

“He sorted it out under the lights of the garage, and then took it out to see if it worked.

“He had no right to do that, he apologises profusely.”

As part of the suspended sentence, Shaw must also complete 20 days of rehabilitation work with the Probation Service.

Shaw, who pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and driving without a licence, must pay a £128 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on SAFC and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.