St Helens man crashed into house during driving ban

James Simon Birchenough, of Carpenter's Road, St Helens, admitted driving whilst disqualified and without insurance on June 2.

"Police were called to the single vehicle accident on Salterns Road, where a car had crashed into a house," explained Liz Miller, prosecuting, at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court.

When officers arrived, Birchenough's Mitsubishi Lancer was 15m away from where it crashed after he tried to drive it away, but it broke down.

"Birchenough was standing by the car. Witnesses at the scene identified him as being the driver in question. He had asked them not to call the police, then attempted to flee the scene," said Miss Miller.

"He then said he was sorry and he shouldn't have done it, to people at the scene."

Birchenough was nine months into a 12-month driving ban — imposed last September — as a 'totter', having racked up 12 penalty points on his licence, the bench was told.

For Birchenough, 32, Amy Hosell said her client could not remember why he drove as he had no reason to.

"He had been living in his car for about nine months and had not been driving it — saving up so that once his ban was over, he was going to get his licence back and sort out the car," said Miss Hosell.

"He said he shouldn't have driven. He had every chance to drive, but didn't during those nine months because he wanted to do things properly.

"He admitted straightaway he had been banned from driving. He's extremely remorseful and upset about the incident.

"He has had a lot of trouble with homelessness and struggles with his mental health."

Birchenough was handed a six-month driving ban and a year's probation, to include 15 rehabilitation days.

Presiding magistrate Keith Jones told him he had already engaged well with probation and urged him to take all opportunities through them to improve his outlook.

Birchenough was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £95 victim surcharge.