Banned Mansfield driver got behind the wheel after landing job as car valeter

Samuel Clamp was stopped by police behind the wheel of Nissan car in the grounds of Mansfield Community Hospital, in Stockwell Gate, on July 31 last year, Mansfield Magistrates’ Court was told on Thursday, January 23.

Clamp, 22, of Hillside Road, Blidworth, Mansfield, admitted driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance when he appeared before the court.

Prosecuting, Robert Carr said: “Police noticed the vehicle on Stockwell Gate and followed it into the grounds of the community hospital. He said that he knew that he was driving while disqualified.”

Clamp had first been banned from driving in February last year for 17 months by magistrates, and had received a separate six-month driving ban in August, the court heard.

Mitigating, Emma Cornell said: “He realises that his decisions were poor choices. He tells me that he had been struggling for employment and had found work as a car valeter and took the foolish decision to drive that vehicle.

“He now has full-time and stable employment as a warehouse operative.”

Clamp was given a 12-month community order to include 10 rehabilitation days and 100 hours of unpaid work in the community.

He was disqualified for a further 12 months and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £90 victim surcharge.

He was also warned that if he is caught behind the wheel again while banned, he faces custody.