09-03-2025
Banned driver caught after police stop him for having dirty number plate
A BANNED driver was caught after being stopped by police for having a dirty number plate, a court heard.
Christopher Dodgson, 31, was pulled over while driving a Seat Arona on Leconfield Street in Cleator Moor on February 9.
Pamela Fee, prosecuting at Workington Magistrates' Court, said the stop check was carried out due to the vehicle having a dirty number plate. A rear tyre was also deflated.
Dodgson initially gave a false name but then identified himself to the officers. He confirmed he was disqualified from driving and was therefore not able to obtain insurance.
A sample of breath was taken at the roadside and this was over the limit. However, an evidential sample taken in custody was below the limit and so there was no further action on this, Ms Fee said.
Dodgson had been disqualified from driving on January 10 this year.
John Cooper, defending, said: 'He has significant physical issues. He suffers from fibromyalgia. He was disqualified due to 'totting up'.
'Stupidly, he decides to drive the vehicle to the shops. His brother wasn't available. He wasn't aware of the tyre and the number plate. There was a brief attempt to give a false name.'
Dodgson, of Grasmere Avenue, Workington, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and using a vehicle on a road without third party insurance.
Magistrates imposed a 13-month driving ban and a 12-month community order with 80 days of alcohol abstinence and monitoring and 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
Dodgson was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
