Jailed: Banned driver who handled stolen goods

Damien Pearshall, of Tipton, was seen failing to stop at a red light by police on June 20 this year.

Wolverhampton Crown Court was told Pearshall, aged 27, of Keelinge Street, had pulled into a cul-de-sac and turned off the engine of his vehicle in an attempt to avoid officers.

But he had already been seen and checks on his car carried out.

The court heard Pearshall had been disqualified from driving in October 2014 and the ban was not due to end until February 2016.

Recorder Nigel Baker QC was also told on June 12 this year, just eight days before he had been caught driving while disqualified, Pearshall had received a 12-month suspended prison sentence for three counts of handling stolen goods.

He was given a two-month prison sentence for driving while disqualified and the 12-month suspended sentence was activated - a total of 14 months imprisonment.

Mr Howard Searle, prosecuting, said the suspended sentence matter involved Pearshall's handling of stolen computers and games.

"In terms of the driving while disqualified, police saw him driving his car around roads in Tipton at around 2.15pm on June 20," he said.

"He failed to stop at a red light, though he went through very slowly. He then turned left and parked up in a cul-de-sac and turned off the engine.

"The defendant was later taken to a police station."

Mr Charmjit Jutla, defending, said: "He concedes driving while disqualified was a foolish and stupid thing to do.

"His rationale is that his partner suffers from arthritis and did not feel well. He was taking her to the walk-in centre.

"In terms of the suspended sentence, I would argue that it did not have time to take effect.

"He is very remorseful for his actions."

But Recorder Baker said he believed Pearshall's actions were a 'flagrant breach' of both the driving ban and the suspended sentence.

And he said the judge who handed him the suspended sentence would have made it clear what would happen if he breached the order.