Banned motorist told his behaviour was "outrageous" by judge (From Redditch Advertiser)

Banned motorist told his behaviour was "outrageous" by judge

4:30pm Wednesday 3rd October 2012 in News

A REDDITCH man caught riding a motorbike while he was banned from the road has been warned by a judge he has run out of chances.

Paul Howard, aged 28, of Pelton Close, Winyates East, was banned for 18 months in April for dangerous driving, Samantha Forsyth, prosecuting, told Worcester Crown Court.

He had led police on a six mile chase reaching speeds up to 100mph in a Peugeot 206 and had no licence or insurance. He was given a two year community order with 150 hours unpaid work.

But four months later, in August, he was seen riding a motorbike by someone who knew him and was reported to police.

Redditch magistrates had given him a 10 week jail term, suspended for 18 months, and referred the case to the crown court.

Sophie Lomas, defending, said Howard now had a full time job and this was helping him get his life on track.

Judge Patrick Thomas said it should not have been difficult for Howard to stop driving and to ride a motorbike while disqualified was "outrageous”.

He said the suspended jail term was the correct sentence and he would not be adding to the order but warned Howard that if he drove again he would be caught and there would be no further leniency. He ordered him to pay £420 towards costs.