Disqualified Chesterfield driver caught behind the wheel twice in two days

Steven Barthorpe Stancill, 35, of Prospect Road, Old Whittington, Chesterfield, was first stopped by police as he was driving a Vauxhall Corsa on Newbold Road, Chesterfield, and checks found he had been driving while disqualified.

Prosecuting solicitor Becky Allsop told a Chesterfield magistrates’ court hearing: “Shortly after midnight police stopped a Vauxhall Corsa and the driver was discovered to be disqualified.”

Barthorpe Stancill told police he had received a call from a friend asking if “a friend of a friend’s vehicle” could be parked on his drive and Barthorpe Stancill picked up the vehicle and was driving back to his home when he was stopped.

He also told police he thought his disqualification from driving had expired and he thought he could legally drive and added that he had previously taken out insurance on another vehicle and thought it would be applicable.

The court heard how Barthorpe Stancill was found two days later driving a Ford Transit tipper, on Eckington Road, Staveley, after he had been stopped by police because the vehicle had no rear lights.

Barthorpe Stancill initially gave a false name, according to Mrs Allsop, but quickly gave his correct details and admitted driving while disqualified but said he had just taken a job with a scaffolding firm.

The defendant pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and without insurance on November 18 and to driving while disqualified and without insurance on November 20.

Magistrates sentenced Barthorpe Stancill to 26 weeks of custody suspended for 12 months with a Thinking Skills Programme and Rehabilitation Activity Requirement.

He was also banned from driving for two years and must pay an £80 victim surcharge, £85 costs and a £150 courts charge.