Banned South Yorkshire driver caught after collision

Sheffield Magistrates’ Court heard today, Thursday, February 13, how Shazed Aslam, 43, of Broom Terrace, Broom, Rotherham, was driving a Vauxhall Corsa on Far Lane, at East Dene, Rotherham, while disqualified and without insurance when he collided with a van on October 7.

Mark Hughes, prosecuting, said: “The offences are aggravated by the fact that there was some element of bad driving here.”

Mr Hughes added the other motorist was driving a van when he saw a Corsa coming up the hill towards him and he described the Corsa as swerving and that the Corsa driver appeared to be asleep.

The van driver was unable to avoid a head-on collision with Aslam, according to Mr Hughes.

Aslam pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and to driving without insurance.

Defence solicitor Hester Russell said Aslam has been suffering with mental health difficulties and has been seeking help and he is now receiving newly prescribed medication.

The probation service stated that Aslam revealed that he has little recollection of the collision but remembers he had been visiting a friend after taking the car which belonged to his brother who did not know he had been disqualified.

Magistrates revoked Aslam’s existing community order and imposed a new 12-month community order with a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement.

He was further banned from driving and will not be allowed to drive for 26 months. He must also pay £85 costs and a £90 victim surcharge.