Banned driver jailed

A MOTORIST with an “appalling record” caught for a staggering fifth time driving while disqualified, has been jailed.

And a judge told 39-year old Maris Martinkevics he was giving him a longer sentence for trying to lie his way out of it by making up a “cock and bull story.”

The driver had tried to outrun police after officers in a marked patrol car had recognised him as a banned driver. They abandoned the chase because of the dangerous way he was driving.

Martinkevics later claimed he had only been at the wheel because of a medical emergency involving his pregnant girlfriend.

When he first appeared in court pleading guilty to charges of driving while disqualified, dangerous driving, and driving without insurance or a licence, his sentencing was adjourned to give him a chance to back up his story.

When he finally reappeared after yet another delay in the proceedings however, the court was told there had been no emergency.

Jailing him for 15 months, judge Bernard Lever told him: “You put forward a completely bogus excuse for this outrageous driving.

“You already had four convictions for driving while disqualified, and another for dangerous driving, for which you were sentenced to 12 months.

“I was prepared to give you the benefit of the doubt and allow you time to provide evidence for your story in order to treat you fairly. I had it in mind to give you another 12 months, but you told a pack of lies. Some people might think I am being lenient even now — you have an appalling traffic record.”

Kate Hammond prosecuting, said Martinkevics, of Burlington Avenue, Oldham, had been spotted driving a silver Peugeot on Keswick Avenue, Oldham at around 10am on June 7.

He drove within a 30mph limit at speeds of up to 60mph, went through a junction at Belgrave Road without stopping, and travelled up a one-way road the wrong way before abandoning the car in Goddard Street.

The officers arrested him minutes later walking along Honeywell Lane with two women who had been passengers.

The court was told that Martinkevics had later said he had also been upset by the death of his brother the day beforehand, and there had been a “sea change” in his attitude since the incident.

Alison Heyworth defending, said his Latvian-born girlfriend was expecting their first baby in December and he wanted to stay out of trouble.

Judge Lever told him however: “You must think Her Majesty’s judges both naive and foolish.”

Martinkevics was sentenced to 15 months for dangerous driving, and five months concurrent for driving while disqualified.

He was disqualified from driving for two years, and must take an extended driving test before applying for his licence back.