A MAN has been handed a community order after he was spotted driving whilst disqualified.
Jamie Roberts, of Tir Dogonedd in Flint, appeared for sentence at Mold Magistrates Court on Friday.
The 31-year-old had previously admitted that on September 29 last year, he drove a Range Rover vehicle on Prince of Wales Avenue in Flint whilst he was disqualified from holding a licence.
Prosecutor Helen Sidhu told the court Roberts had been handed a six month driving ban in April 2022, which would have expired on October 24 that year.
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But on the day of the offence, he was spotted and caught on camera driving the Range Rover.
He initially denied the offence, but changed his plea to guilty on the day of his trial.
Probation Officer Tracey Flavell told the court: "He fully accepts he was aware he was banned from driving, and he moved that vehicle.
"He tells me it wasn't in good working order and wasn't really driveable; he was just adjusting it to park it in a better position."
Ms Flavell said the defendant claimed to have been asked to move the vehicle by someone else and "felt compelled to do it."
"He's in full time employment as a car salesman," she continued.
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"And he was frank in admitting drugs and alcohol have been an issue for him."
Simon Simmons, defending, told the court his client had been asked to move the vehicle to a layby by its owner.
Due to its condition, the defendant tried to drive it but the car could be seen "stuttering" over a short distance.
"He has a knack for selling cars," Mr Simmons said.
"It's the best opportunity he's ever had and he grabbed it with both hands.
"He has a child on the way and he thinks life is going to improve for him."
Roberts received a 12 month community order with 10 rehabilitation activity days and 40 hours of unpaid work.
He must also pay a £114 victim surcharge and £400 costs.
The Magistrates endorsed his licence with six penalty points for the crime.
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