A BANNED driver who has been disqualified six times already was 'not aware' he was banned when stopped by police in Worcester.

Aaron Adams, of Lilac Avenue, Tolladine, Worcester, admitted driving while disqualified and without insurance when he appeared before magistrates in Worcester on Thursday.

The 36-year-old was pulled over in Tennis Walk on December 1 last year. However, he was spared jail after his solicitor argued that his partner would have to give up her job to look after their children were he sent to jail.

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Mark Sheward, defending, explained that his client had been 'disqualified in absence at the time he was stopped by police' and 'accepted he didn't have any insurance for the vehicle'.

The solicitor said Adams had only driven the car 'a very short distance' - around half a mile to three quarters of a mile.

Worcester News:

ADMISSIONS: Aaron Adams faced up to what he had done in court

 

Mr Sheward also said his client had not driven for 'any reward' to himself and there was 'no evidence of associated bad driving'.

"I have to accept he has been disqualified previously for driving while disqualified" said Mr Sheward.

He described Adams as a father-of-two who lived with his partner and had previously worked in the construction industry.

Mr Sheward argued that if Adams was sent to jail, his partner would have to give up work to care for the children.

"I don't think I could argue - with his previous convictions - that it doesn't cross the custody threshold" he said.

Adams had pleaded guilty at the earliest available opportunity and, although he was not working at the moment, he had not signed on for benefits.

"He's quite a proud man - he doesn't want to become reliant upon them (benefits). He didn't know he was disqualified - it was all done in his absence" said Mr Sheward.

The ban was imposed under the single justice procedure, the court confirmed. Adams said he did not receive a notice from the court.

Worcester News:

PLEA: The case was heard at Worcester Magistrates Court

 

Michelle Edwards, chairman of the bench, said: "You have at least six previous driving while disqualified offences on your record. You would have been aware that proceedings were taking place. The offence is so serious that only custody is appropriate.

"However, in light of what we have heard regarding coming between you and child care responsibilities, we will suspend the sentence." They imposed a sentence of 18 weeks in prison suspended for two years. As part of the order he must complete 80 hours of unpaid work.

He was also banned from driving for 36 months. There was no separate penalty for driving without insurance.

However, his licence will be endorsed with details of the offence.

Adams was also ordered to pay costs of £135. He was warned not to dive. "If you do, you know what happens" said Mrs Edwards.