A banned driver made a 'silly mistake' when he borrowed a friend's car to visit his girlfriend, a court heard. Luke Raybould became stuck between two seats as he tried to hop into the back seat of the BMW to evade police officers on April 25.
The 27-year-old, of Collingbourne Avenue, Birmingham, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and driving without insurance. However, it was unclear whether he had ever held a licence, Birmingham Magistrates' Court heard.
Prosecutor Alisha Collins told the court: 'On April 25 while police officers were on patrol, they saw a BMW in Chelmsley Wood. They pulled it over and when they did, the defendant tried to get into the back seat and got himself wedged between the two seats. Initially he gave the wrong details.'
Raybould was already disqualified from driving at the time and was banned until March 2027 as part of a community order. He was previously banned for dangerous driving.
'There are issues with regards to this defendant's mental health,' said his solicitor, Mr Khattak. 'He is unable to undertake unpaid work. He pleaded guilty at the first available opportunity. I would invite the court to give the maximum credit available.'
'He tells me he was actually on this occasion sitting in the driver's seat of a friend's vehicle. At the time of the incident, his girlfriend was going through a difficult time. He, in the state of mind he was, borrowed a friend's car to see her,' said Mr Khattak. 'A silly mistake, he spent some time in custody for it. He is sorry for what has happened.'
The magistrates adjourned the case for sentencing on August 3 to allow for a pre-sentence report. Chair of the Magistrates, Mr Morgan warned him: 'Don't be tempted to drive a car.'
