A grandmother with what magistrates described as a 'very troubling' history of motoring offences has been banned from driving once more after being caught behind the wheel while disqualified.
Police stop reveals dual offences
Jayde Anscomb, aged 44, was stopped by Staffordshire Police officers on Etruria Vale Road in Stoke-on-Trent on November 11, 2024. The police initially pulled over her Volkswagen Golf because she was driving without valid third-party insurance.
Upon further checks, however, they made a more serious discovery. Anscomb was also found to be banned from driving at the time. She was subsequently charged with both driving while disqualified and driving without proper insurance.
'I didn't know about the ban' defence
At North Staffordshire Justice Centre, Anscomb pleaded guilty to both charges. In her defence, she claimed she was unaware the disqualification was still active.
Prosecutor Emma Thompson outlined the case to magistrates. "The defendant attempted to mitigate her actions by giving a special reasons argument," she said. "She claimed that while she was driving while disqualified, she thought her 12-month ban had ended, and that she did not realise a second ban had been put into place."
Ms Thompson added that Anscomb's history was difficult to follow due to the sheer volume of penalty points and previous disqualifications she had accrued.
Mitigation and sentencing
In mitigation, defence solicitor Adam Dawson explained that Anscomb had purchased the Volkswagen in November 2023. Points on her licence led to a 12-month ban starting in April 2024, but a subsequent ban was also imposed without her full awareness, he argued.
Mr Dawson also highlighted personal circumstances, stating: "She has a daughter in Derby, who has just had a baby. She may not be able to help with care if she is banned from driving for a prolonged period."
Magistrates were unmoved by the explanation of ignorance. They handed Anscomb a new four-month driving ban and a 12-month community order. She must also complete 12 rehabilitation activity days and pay £304 in court costs and a victim surcharge.
During sentencing, the bench remarked that her driving record was "very unpleasant and very troubling." When Anscomb interjected, "Yeah, but it's been good since then," a magistrate retorted, "Well, yes, it's all very well saying that after the party has ended, isn't it?"
