A Portadown man who was detected by police driving whilst serving a four year disqualification has escaped a custodial sentence.
The 66-year-old’s solicitor told court: “If he reoffends there are no further options available to him.”
Viktors Ozols, of Corcrain Drive, appeared for sentencing on charges of driving whilst disqualified, taking a vehicle without authority and using a vehicle without insurance at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Prosecution outlined that on June 4, at 3.45pm, police in the Corcrain area of Portadown observed a Volvo being driven by the defendant, whom they believed to a disqualified driver.
Officers spoke to Ozols and having asked him to produce his licence and insurance he was unable to provide them.
Checks on police systems showed that the defendant had been disqualified on May 3, 2017 for a period of four years.
A short time later, the owner of the vehicle, Ozol’s landlady at the time, arrived and told police that the defendant did not have permission to take the car.
When interviewed, Ozols made full and frank admissions to the police.
Defence solicitor Richard Montieth stated: “He fully co-operated with police and this was a plea at the first opportunity.
“At first he did believe he had permission to drive the vehicle but later acknowledged that his partner had been asleep.”
He added: “He is in risk of immediate custody, it is up to your worship whether to opt to suspend this or impose community service.
“If he reoffends there are no further options available to him.”
Ozols was sentenced to three months in prison, suspended for two years, and was disqualified from driving for two years.
In addition, he was also ordered to pay a fine of £300, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 10 weeks.
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