A motorist who tried to drive home immediately after leaving court with a driving ban has been handed a suspended jail sentence, police have said.
Richard Brooks, 54, of Church Street, Guisborough, North Yorkshire, had first appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court, County Durham, on Monday.
He was handed a six-month ban after he was caught using his mobile phone while driving in Barnard Castle last year, Durham Constabulary said.
But after the court hearing traffic officers saw him get into his car at a nearby Tesco store and drive away.
The force said when he saw the officers in their marked police vehicle, he tried to turn around and head back into the car park.
Officers arrested him, charged him with driving while disqualified and without insurance and seized his car.
The force said that after a night in the cells, Brooks was returned to the same court.
His ban was increased to 18 months and he was given a 12-week jail sentence, suspended for a year.
The defendant must also complete 150 hours of community service and pay a fine.
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After the case, Sergeant Chris Milburn, said: “This is a reminder to everyone that if you’re banned from driving, then that ban starts immediately.
“Should you then leave court and get into your car to drive home, it is highly likely that we will stop you, and you will be facing a much harsher punishment – as Brooks has now found out.”
