Tobermore motorist jailed for two months

Samuel John Pickering (54), of Mill Crescent, admitted driving while disqualified and having no insurance on December 30 last.

The court heard Pickering was stopped at King Street, Magheraelt, and on production of his driving documents it transpired he had been disqualified from driving for three years at Dungannon Court in 2012.

Defence solicitor Stephen Atherton said defendant had been on his way to a car wash when stopped by the police.

Mr Atherton pleaded with the court not to impose a custodial sentence as Pickering’s partner was due to give birth and he “wanted to be around” for the baby.

District Judge Alan White said Pickering had been “completely stupid and reckless” to go out and purchase a car in breach of a suspended jail sentence.

He also disqualified Pickering from driving for four years and ordered him to pay a £25 court levy.