Bolton driver 'miscalculated' when ban would end and caught by police

Daniel Hardman was banned from the roads in November last year and this was due to expire in May.

However the 35-year-old miscalculated the date on which this was due to end.

Bolton Magistrates Court heard he got behind the wheel of a Volkswagen Caddy van.

Hajra Afzal, prosecuting, said: “On April 28 police officers were carrying on checks on Cross Street.

“The defendant’s vehicle went into the checks.

“These showed he was disqualified from driving.

“He had been given a totting up disqualification.”

At court Hardman, 35, pleaded guilty to disqualified driving.

Martin Pizzey, defending, explained how it had come about.

He said: “He was disqualified by virtue of totting up.

“That was at the magistrates court.

“He lost his employment as a consequence.

“He was working for a company that did tarmac, he had a role that included driving.

“He sadly become unemployed.

“The defendant received a letter from the DVLA saying he could reapply.

“He miscalculated and told the employment he could work.

“They vehicle was a work van.

“He was cooperative with the police.

“He gave his full details.

“His employers are concerned.

“They have said he if does not go to prison he will be allowed to work not in a driving role.”

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Chair of the bench Joan Cooper said: “You miscalculated.

“Can I suggest to you when you leave the court you write it down and stick it on your fridge?”

Hardman, from Crossdale Road, Breightmet, said: “Say that to my mother.”

Ms Cooper said: “It is your problem, not hers.

“If you keep disqualified driving soon the court is going to run out of patience and you will go to prison.”

She fined him £110 and ordered him to past further costs of £129 and banned him from driving for three months.

He was told by the court clerk the date at which the ban would end.