A banned driver is facing more serious charges and is being threatened with the prospect of jail if he reoffends.
On November 26, 2024, driver Ross Bourn came to the attention of the police when he approached the roundabout at Yokosuka Way in Gillingham without first slowing down. After checking his details, they discovered that in September that year he had been disqualified from driving as a result of totting-up.
Bourn, 42, who was working as a self-employed carpenter, had been sofa-surfing at different addresses, and was using his sister’s address in Strood as a mailing address. He admitted to driving without insurance, but claimed that because he rarely checked his mail, he was unaware of the September court hearing, and had therefore not attended, and knew nothing of the driving ban.
At the hearing at Medway Magistrates Court on July 1, 2025, Bourn was given a further driving ban for 12 months for driving while disqualified. He was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £114 and £85 court costs. He was also given a 12-month Community Order that requires him to do 150 hours of unpaid work. The chair of the magistrates warned Bourn that if he reoffends, he could face jail.
Totting up bans occur when a driver gets 12 or more penalty points on their driving licence within a 3-year period. This attracts a mandatory driving disqualification of at least six months. If you are facing a ban based on totting up, solicitors at Auriga Advocates have the relevant experience to support you with appropriate legal advice. Call us if you need guidance and support, and we will do all we can to help you.