Man jailed for driving while disqualified

A man has been handed an 18-week prison sentence after he was caught driving in Shropshire while disqualified.

Ben Upton, of High Street in Highley, Bridgnorth, was spotted driving a Vauxhall Zafira in Much Wenlock by roads policing officers on Tuesday (11 August).

Officers signalled for the 27-year-old to pull over after intelligence gathered by Broseley & Much Wenlock's Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) indicated he was regularly driving while disqualified.

Although Upton initially stopped, he then fled from officers on foot. He was quickly caught and arrested.

On Wednesday (12 August), Upton pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified, and using a motor vehicle on a road or public place without third-party insurance at Telford Magistrates Court.

He was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison and was further disqualified from driving for 60 months.

PC Emma Strangwood, from SNT, said: "Driving while disqualified is a serious offence and shows a blatant disregard for the law and the safety of other road users.

"Thanks to information gathered by our local policing teams and the swift actions of officers, Upton was brought before the courts and held accountable for his actions.

"We will continue to target those who choose to drive illegally and take robust action against anyone who puts our communities at risk."