Dangerous South Yorkshire driver spared prison for “disgraceful episode”

Christian Cotton, 29, of Frederick Street, Goldthorpe, Rotherham, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and possession of an offensive weapon, when he appeared before the court on September 26, 2019.

His sentence was deferred until Friday, when Judge Michael Slater imposed a 12 month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

The judge told Cotton that the incident, which took place in August 2018, was a “disgraceful episode,” which involved contact with other vehicles.

Zaiban Alam, mitigating, said that Cotton was banned from driving when he was 17, in 2007, until he takes the extended test which will allow him to drive legally.

Judge Slater told him: “Between 2009 and 2018 you kept out of trouble.

“I deferred sentence to see what progress you have made. You embarked on a suspended sentence in a positive way and you had caring responsibilities for your young son.

“You have honoured your side of the commitment and I shall honour mine.”

The judge handed Cotton nine months in prison for the driving offence and three months for the weapon charge, both suspended.

He also disqualified him from driving for 12 months and ruled that he must take the extended test before driving again.

Prosecutor Louise Gallagher requested that the baton which was found in Cotton’s car be forfeited and destroyed.