AN Eastern European who can’t read English claimed that he didn’t know his driving ban was still in force when he pulled out into the path of a police car.
Miroslaw Lukaszewicz (50), of Willesby Road, Spalding, was disqualified in January 2011 for drink-driving but believed it ended on April 19.
Rebecca Ritson, prosecuting, said police were on patrol in Swan Street, Spalding, on May 16 when Lukaszewicz pulled out of a car park right in front of them, causing the patrol car to brake.
Officers followed him to a car park in Westlode Street and a police national computer check revealed he was banned until June 19.
Miss Ritson said Lukaszewicz had been given a chance to do the drink-driver’s rehabilitation course and was given a certificate showing he had to complete it by April 19.
But he mistook that date for the end of the ban.
Solicitor Mike Alexander, mitigating, said it was a genuine mistake.
Lukaszewicz had paid £150 for insurance, his car was taxed and he had an MOT.
Magistrates imposed a three-month conditional discharge and banned Lukaszewicz for 14 days from the date of Thursday’s hearing.
He was given no separate penalty for driving without insurance – an automatic offence because insurance cannot cover banned drivers.
Lukaszewicz must also pay £85 costs. He pleaded guilty to both offences.
Presiding magistrate Richard Spinks told Lukaszewicz: “By the time June 20 comes round, which is the end of the ban, you should get your licence back again.”