Overview
- Richard Brooks, 54, was initially banned for six months at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court for using a mobile phone while driving in Barnard Castle.
- Moments after leaving, officers saw him get into his car in the adjacent Tesco car park and attempt to drive away.
- He was stopped and arrested at the scene, then charged with driving while disqualified and using a vehicle without insurance, and his car was seized.
- Returning to the same court later in the week, he admitted the new offences and had his disqualification extended to 18 months.
- Magistrates imposed a 12-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months, ordered 150 hours of unpaid work, and levied a fine.