Portadown man, who had been disqualified from driving, believed he could get behind the wheel again once ban was over, Craigavon court hears
Co Armagh man, who had been banned from driving, believed he could get behind the wheel again once the disqualification period was over, a court has heard.
The 61-year-old appeared before Craigavon Magistrates Court.
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Andrew Chadwick of Corcrain Drive, Portadown pleaded guilty to having no driving licence and making a false declaration to obtain insurance.
The court heard that on Christmas Eve last year, police spotted a white Hyundai in car park at West Street near Lidl. Checks showed the defendant was banned from driving until tested.
It transpired that Chadwick had no licence. He told police he was aware he was disqualified but didn’t realise he had to retake the test and believed once the year was up he could drive again.
"He had renewed his insurance company and failed to tell them of the disqualification while he renewed his insurance,” a prosecutor revealed.
Chadwick’s solicitor, Mr Kevin McCamley, said his client is someone who isn’t familiar with the court system.
He explained the defendant was given a driving ban in 2010, until retested. However he hadn’t realised he had to get retested.
Mr McCamley said his client applied and received insurance and was fully MOTd and taxed on the vehicle.
He said his client plans on doing the test and getting his licence back, asking the district judge for a short driving ban.
District Judge Michael Ranaghan banned Chadwick from driving for three weeks and fined £150 for the no driving licence. For the false statement he was also fined £150 and also must pay the £15 offender levy.