Court's sympathy for Sunderland Porsche driver fined for not having valid licence
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Lee Allen, 30, of Tunstall Road, lost his after being banned for a year under the totting up process.
Magistrates in South Tyneside heard he did not realise he had to reapply for a new licence before he could drive legally.
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Hide AdThey expressed sympathy with him for what they said was a common mistake made by many previously disqualified motorists – and fined him £40.
Prosecutor Glenda Beck said Allen committed the offence on Monday, August 29.
She revealed: “Police were on duty at 2.20pm when they caused a Porsche Cayenne to stop.
“The only occupant of the vehicle was Mr Allen. Checks were carried out at the roadside.
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Hide Ad“Checks showed he was disqualified on November 18, 2020, for 12 months and that he had not reapplied for his licence.
“He does have insurance and has provided a view of that online.”
Allen pleaded guilty to a charge of driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.
Jason Smith, defending, told the hearing Allen had a licence but it had been revoked and he had needed to apply for a new one.
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Hide AdHe said: “The only mistake Mr Allen has made was not reapplying for his licence.
“He thought that after his disqualification it was automatically renewed. The vehicle is his partner’s, he is a named driver on the policy.”
Magistrates also ordered Allen to pay £85 court costs and a £16 victim surcharge.
John Fleet, chair of the bench, told him: “You’re not the only person who has been caught in that trap.”