Ford Puma driver caught without driving licence appears in court

Lee Brown, of Cranham Drive, Worcester, was caught driving without a licence and attempted to hide Class A drugs from police by throwing them out of the window. 

Val Hart, prosecuting, said the 42-year-old was spotted in a Ford Puma at 11pm on January 2 this year in Wainwright Road. 

The prosecutor said, as police were following the vehicle, Kinder eggs with drugs inside were thrown out of the window. 

She said police found the drugs and it led to Brown being prosecuted for possession of heroin and crack cocaine. 

COURT: Lee Brown pictured in 2021 (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Police checks also revealed Brown did not have a valid driver's licence that allowed him to drive the car. 

Mrs Hart said: "He only had a provisional driver's licence, and he was driving unsupervised."

The prosecutor highlighted to the court that Brown had a number of previous convictions. 

"His last time before the courts was in 2021 for possession of an offensive weapon," Mrs Hart said. 

"There has been nearly a two-year gap in his offending."

Mrs Hart added Brown was also arrested on suspicion of drug driving but a sample of his blood was unable to be tested.

Jason Patel, defending, said Brown has suffered for more than 20 years from drug addiction and his lengthy record was linked to that. 

The solicitor said Brown had made full admission to the offences in police interview after arrest. 

COURT: Lee Brown has made a return to Worcester Magistrates Court

Mr Patel said, for the first time, Brown was determined to finally get off drugs, seeking help from drug rehabilitation service Cranstoun and Maggs day centre.

Mr Patel added Brown was set to be moved on to a methadone script later this month and hoped to gain employment. 

Sentencing Brown, Vicki Quarton, chairman of the magistrates bench, told him they were pleased with the progress he was making and encouraged him to continue his good work. 

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She told Brown he was receiving a one-year community order which would include 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days. 

Brown was fined £60 each for possession of heroin and crack cocaine, and a further £60 for driving without a licence.

Three penalty points were added to his licence.

Brown was also ordered to pay £114 victim surcharge. The total amount, £234, will be added to the amount he already owes the court and be deducted from his benefits.

The case was heard at the court on Thursday, (April 6).