A 43-year-old man from Lancashire has pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and driving with no van insurance after being caught by police 11 months into a 12 month driving van.
It is understood that the man's van insurance crime came to light after being stopped in his LDV Convoy van by police carrying out routine checks of motorists in the area.
"This year he was disqualified for 12 months... police were on patrol in Birkdale and the police found there was no insurance on that vehicle," the prosecuting solicitor summarised.
However, the defendant's solicitor said that the court must consider other the factors particular to the case, such as the fact that the 43-year-old may have taken to the road in order to help reduce credit crunch-related financial pressures. "This offence has come at a time of financial pressure. He has a mortgage of £735 to pay per month and has five children. Had he had the money he would have done the driving course and got a three month reduction [on the ban]. It's been a difficult 12 months," he said.
In addition to receiving six penalty points, 150 hours of community service and a £65 fine, the man was also told to pay a £100 fine for driving without van insurance. He will now be unable to drive a commercial vehicle for some time.