Sunderland boxing coach caught driving car with false number plates when stopped by police

Rigina Jefferson, 18, was spotted driving by a suspicious policeman in a marked car in Thompson Road, High Southwick, Sunderland.

A database check showed her VW Golf was driving on false plates – and she was pulled over in Carley Road, a court heard.

The chairman of th magistrates who heard the case described the charges as ‘daft offences’ and pleaded that she ‘make this the last’ time she appears in court.

Jefferson, of Tadcaster Road, Thorney Close, Sunderland, told the PC: “I’ve just had them made in Newcastle’.

During the same stop on Sunday, January 31, she also admitted driving without insurance and without a licence.

Prosecutor Leanne Duffy told magistrates in South Tyneside: “At 10.15pm an officer was on duty in a marked car when he saw a silver VW Golf.

“It turned into Carley Road, and he followed and noted the number plate as being FD53 UDL.

“He carried out some checks, the defendant was the driver. She at first gave false details.

“When stopped, she said, ‘I’ve just had them made in Newcastle’. She said she had no licence or insurance.

“There was fraud of number plates.”

Nick Peacock, defending, said: “First of all a guilty plea and admissions at the roadside to police.

“The reality is that it’s a financial penalty and she must receive between six and eight points.

“She’s a boxing coach. I’d ask you to keep the fine as low as possible.

“There was a young man in the car as well."

Jefferson, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to forging vehicle plates, driving without insurance and driving without a licence.

Magistrates imposed six penalty points and fined Jefferson £138, with £85 court costs and a £34 victim surcharge.’

Tony Hewitson, chairman of the magistrates’ bench, told her: “You’ve pleaded guilty to three offences, daft offences I have to say.

“It’s very sad for a bench to see someone here for the first time, please make this the last.”

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.