Banned driver reversed down road in Aspatria at speed to evade police

Officers received information that Bobby Irving, 40, a disqualified driver, was driving a Mercedes Benz in Aspatria on August 29.

Bobby Irving reversed down the road as police approached the Mercedes (Image: Cumbria Police)

Pamela Fee, prosecuting at Workington Magistrates’ Court, said police found the vehicle and pulled it over. The officer positioned the police vehicle in front of the Mercedes to stop it driving further forward.

The officer then approached the driver’s door and the defendant began reversing down the road. The officer ran back to the police vehicle. The Mercedes reversed 100 metres before mounting a grass verge.

The officer positioned the police vehicle in front of the Mercedes and got out again. Irving was ‘frustrated’. He took his seatbelt off and got out. He was then moved from the vehicle and arrested.

Checks showed he was disqualified from driving and must pass an extended re-test before he can drive again.

A probation officer told the court that Irving ‘did not appear to appreciate the seriousness of his behaviour’.

He made assertions that he was a ‘competent’ and ‘careful’ driver and said he got behind the wheel to go and purchase a phone charger.

The court heard that Irving had gained stable employment but his lifestyle ‘continues to be a concern’. He uses alcohol and cocaine.

Mike Woolaghan, defending, said: “In late 2021, he appeared before court in Carlisle for a dangerous driving matter that that gave rise to a disqualification and to take an extended re-test.

Bobby Irving reversed 100 metres before mounting a grass verge (Image: Cumbria Police)

“This is the first time he has driven while disqualified. I have seen the video and of course, it’s disturbing. We can only be thankful, through good luck, it was in the early hours of the morning and there were no other road users at risk. It was very quickly brought under control.

“He has expressed a willingness to engage with the probation service. He recognises decisions he has been making are not appropriate.”

Irving, of Plumbland village, Aspatria, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified, failing to stop a vehicle when required by a constable and using a vehicle on a road without insurance.

Passing sentence, Heather Jackson-Stuttard, chair of the magistrates’ panel, said: “You have a poor previous driving record that’s been of some concern.

“These offences pass the custody threshold. You didn’t have insurance. You knew you were disqualified. You were reckless when you stopped for the police officers. You reversed backwards in the dark.”

Irving was given a 16-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. He was disqualified from driving for 27 months and will still need to pass an extended re-test.

He must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days with the probation service. He must also pay £85 costs and a £154 victim surcharge.