Banned South Yorkshire motorist is jailed after was he spotted driving while disqualified

Sheffield Magistrates’ Court - sitting at the Sheffield Crown Court building - heard on June 5 how Gareth Ian Wainwright, aged 37, of Sandymount Road, Wath-upon-Dearne, Rotherham, was caught driving while disqualified on February 23 and on June 4.

Robert Coyne, prosecuting, said Wainwright’s first conviction for driving while disqualified was under the totting-up points procedures and there were subsequent offences of driving while disqualified leading to disqualifications and he previously received a suspended prison sentence.

District Judge Naomi Redhouse told Wainwright: “When I see people who come into court for the first time and get disqualified I always tell them about people like you.

“I know you have other issues but that is not what I am dealing with here. I am dealing with someone who doesn’t want to accept they cannot drive.”

Mr Coyne said Wainwright was seen driving a Renault Clio while disqualified on Hunt Lane, Doncaster, on February 23, and was also seen driving a Ford Focus on June 4 on Barnsley Road, Cudworth, Barnsley.

Wainwright pleaded guilty to two counts of driving while disqualified and two counts of driving without insurance. He also admitted failing to surrender to court at Doncaster Magistrates’ Court in March.

John Evans, defending, said Wainwright was temporarily homeless and was using a vehicle to sleep in.

District Judge Redhouse sentenced Wainwright to 26-weeks of custody. He was also banned from driving for a further 12-months.