Driver drove without licence on A35 after 'disqualification letter lost in post'

James Fisher, 20, was at the wheel of his Volkswagen Golf when he was stopped by officers on the A35 in Bridport just before 10.30pm on September 15, 2020.

Prosecuting, Louise Meaker, explained to Weymouth Magistrates’ Court that officers queried if Fisher had a driving licence after it was flagged on their system.

She said: “An officer stopped Mr Fisher and made enquires with DVLA saying the driving licence had been medically revoked.

“Mr Fisher said he had sent documents to the DVLA. DVLA revoked his licence on August 12, 2020 and a letter informing of this was sent to him.”

Fisher, of Church Street, Ilfracombe in Devon, pleaded guilty to the charge that he drove a vehicle after the refusal of grant or revocation of a driving licence on account of disability.

The reason why his driving licence was revoked by DVLA or Fisher’s medical condition was not discussed in court.

Mitigating, Ian Brazier, noted that Fisher has a clean driving licence and is currently on Universal Credit while seeking employment as a car mechanic.

He said: “Mr Fisher was unaware at the time that his licence had been medically revoked and once he was told this by the police, he, as soon as possible, made enquiries about with this with his family and those he lived with.

“He has every intention to challenge this and is currently not driving. His vehicle is insured and off the road with a flat battery.”

Mr Brazier said Fisher did not receive the letter from the DVLA telling him he cannot drive – something he theorised may have been caused by an address issue.

Chairman of the bench Stephen Corben suggested the letter may have been 'lost in transit'.

Fisher’s driving licence was endorsed with three penalty points and he was fined £40 and ordered to pay £55 in costs and a £34 victim surcharge.

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