Chesterfield mum drove while banned following beating by violent boyfriend

A Chesterfield mum-of-six was caught driving while banned after being beaten up by her abusive boyfriend, a court heard.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Mary Stokes, 33, told magistrates police pulled her over as she drove to a friend’s house as she had “nowhere to go to get fresh underwear or clothes”.

Prosecutor Becky Allsop told magistrates how Stokes was still serving a 22-month driving ban after being caught over the legal alcohol limit when police stopped her on June 12 last year.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She had also previously been jailed for driving while banned.

Stokes’ solicitor told Chesterfield Magistrates Court how she was in a “violent relationship” at the time of the June 12 offence.

The lawyer described how on one occasion Stokes’ former partner - now serving jail time - had hospitalised her client for two weeks with a broken jaw and a broken eye socket.

Addressing the magistrates Stokes - who has never passed her driving test - told how previous drink driving convictions were a result of her violent boyfriend’s abuse.

Read More
Derbyshire stalker smeared mud on ex’s car “two-three times a week” for three mo...
Mary Stokes told magistrates police pulled her over as she drove to a friend’s house as she had “nowhere to go to get fresh underwear or clothes”Mary Stokes told magistrates police pulled her over as she drove to a friend’s house as she had “nowhere to go to get fresh underwear or clothes”
Mary Stokes told magistrates police pulled her over as she drove to a friend’s house as she had “nowhere to go to get fresh underwear or clothes”
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She said: “I know I need to be punished for what I’ve done - I shouldn’t have done it and I’m sorry. I was just in a bad way.”

A magistrate told her: “There’s clearly some evidence of serious violence towards you - your former partner is thankfully in prison.”

Stokes, of Middlecroft Road, admitted driving while banned and without insurance.

She was jailed for 18 weeks suspended for 12 months, given a 12-week curfew and banned from driving for a further two years.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The 33-year-old was also fined £120 and made to pay £128 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.

A message from Phil Bramley, Derbyshire Times Editor: In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper.