A DISQUALIFIED motorist got behind the wheel after his friend was too drunk to drive home from a night out.
Mark Henderson, of Hassell Drive, pleaded guilty at Worcester Magistrates Court last Friday (March 13) to driving the Toyota Auris, belonging to his friend, on Barbourne Road despite being banned and having no insurance.
Prosecution solicitor Lesley Ashton told magistrates police pulled the car over for having no lights on and not using indicators on February 24.
When they carried out their checks they found 22-year-old bar supervisor Henderson was disqualified until July 8.
“He told his friend he was able to drive the car but he was not exactly sure when the disqualification ran out,” Ms Ashton said
Defence solicitor Christopher Aggery said: “They went out in Worcester town, his friend drove into town and then consumed alcohol and was not in a state to drive the car and in misguided loyalty decided to drive him home. It was an error in judgement on his behalf.”
Chair of the bench, John Chester, said: “We have taken some time to think about this and the aspects to consider are the blatant disregard for the disqualification, on the other hand in recent times you do seem to have turned your life around.”
Magistrates gave Henderson a 12 week sentence, suspended for two years along with a further 16 month ban from driving.
He was also ordered to pay £80 victim surcharge and £85 in court costs.
Mr Chester added: “This is trying to get through to you the significance of being disqualified from driving.”
