A banned driver was caught behind the wheel in Birmingham after claiming he suffered a panic attack on public transport, a court heard.
Incident Details
Mohhammod Suleman, 24, of Hunton Road, Erdington, was spotted driving his Skoda Octavia on Hunton Hill on April 3 despite being disqualified for previous drug driving. The warehouse worker was rumbled by mobile police patrol who had received information about a disqualified driver in the area.
Court Proceedings
Birmingham Magistrates' Court heard Suleman initially gave false details to officers before being arrested and providing correct information. He had been banned from driving for 12 months for drug driving, with this latest offence occurring shortly after the disqualification.
Defence Explanation
Defence solicitor Ms Begum told the court: 'He drove, on that occasion, because the day before he had a panic attack on public transport.' She explained he had been anxious about travelling as his friend had previously been brutally attacked on public transport.
Sentence and Penalty
The court heard Suleman pleaded guilty to driving whilst disqualified at the earliest opportunity. He was described as apologetic and remorseful and the main source of income for his household. Suleman was handed a 12-month community order and ordered to pay £491 in total, including a £292 fine, £114 victim surcharge and £85 prosecution costs. His driving ban was extended by six months to a total of 16 months disqualification.
Judge's Warning
Chair of the bench Ms Foazder warned him: 'Please don't drive again, I don't want to see you back in this court.'
