Banned Blaina driver fled in vehicle (From South Wales Argus)

Banned Blaina driver fled in vehicle

4:20pm Tuesday 8th January 2013 in Gwent news

 A DISQUALIFIED driver revved his car’s engine at a police officer before driving off and catching his arm, with just nine days left of his ban, a court heard.

Gethin Hancock, 27, of Waengron, Blaina, was recognised by the police officer when he went to tell two occupants of his car to put their seatbelts on.

Cardiff Crown Court heard the police officer asked Hancock to step out of the vehicle, but he did not.

Prosecutor Tim Evans said the officer stood in front of the vehicle and Hancock revved the engine.

While he was going round to take the keys out of the ignition, Hancock drove off, catching the police officer’s arm, causing pain and soreness.

Hancock drove the car up the residential street before getting out and fleeing. He was later arrested.

Hancock initially pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving and driving while disqualified, but changed the plea to guilty during his trial.

Defending, Sarah Waters said Hancock, who has previous convictions for driving while disqualified, is motivated to address his problems.

Judge Neil Bidder, QC, described Hancock’s late guilty plea as a “waste of public money”, as the jury had been discharged by the time he entered it.

He was given a community order for 12 months and was disqualified from driving for the same period.