Banned motorist drove as he was late to Jobcentre appointment after caring for dying mother

A banned driver who got behind the wheel of his car because he was late for a Jobcentre appointment after caring for his dying mother has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Anthony Smith was recognised as a disqualified driver by a police officer as he drove along London Road, Thetford, at around midday on May 1, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

The officer activated the blue light and siren on his car to try to stop him but Smith drove into Kimm's Belt and across grass and footpaths before stopping the vehicle in St Martin's Way and running off, said David Wilson, prosecuting.

Several hours after the incident Smith contacted the police and said he had "messed up" and told police he had been caring for his mum and had to get to a Jobcentre appointment.

Smith, 32, of Elm Road, Thetford, admitted careless driving, driving without insurance and driving while disqualified.

He was given a three-month prison sentence suspended for two years and banned from driving for 56 days.

Steven Dyble, for Smith, said his client's mother had since died.