Driver gets the all-clear

A relieved mechanic who was accused of driving without a licence and insurance just for moving a friend’s vehicle one foot has successfully had the offences withdrawn.
Chesterfield magistrates' court.Chesterfield magistrates' court.
Chesterfield magistrates' court.

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Monday, March 31, how Stefan Drew, 24, of Grange Park Avenue, Brimington, Chesterfield, had been working on his friend’s car when he drove it one foot after it had fallen from a jack and blocked in a neighbour.

Mr Drew said: “I jacked the car up and it dropped off the jack and I pulled it forward.

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“I dropped it forward a foot so neighbours could get off their drive when a police officer pulled up behind me.”

The court heard how police had visited Mr Drew over an unrelated family matter and he admitted moving the vehicle and having the keys.

Mr Drew added: “He asked me if I had moved it and I said I have moved it a foot and he asked if I had a licence and I said I have not got one.”

Prosecuting solicitor Angela Hadfield confirmed Mr Drew had been working on the vehicle near his home and he moved it a foot and it was stationary when the police officer saw it and carried out checks.

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Mr Drew explained how despite his friend’s vehicle being taxed and tested it was taken away by police and he had to pay his friend £600 for the inconvenience and police would not release the vehicle and it was destroyed.

District Judge Andrew Davison said: “I cannot remember a case such as this with consequences such as this where the car is also destroyed.”

Mr Drew admitted driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and having no insurance but District Judge Davison withdrew the guilty pleas and told him he could start a job with a clean licence.

District Judge Davison told Mr Drew: “I’m pleased justice can be done in this case. I accept what you say is the truth and the CPS has decided it is not in the public interest for this case to proceed.”

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