Further ban for disqualified driver caught behind the wheel

A disqualified driver has been banned for a further three months after being caught behind the wheel just two months after having his licence revoked for speeding.

On September 8, Christopher Keith Debono, aged 62, of Windingbrook Lane, Northampton, was disqualified from driving for six months after being detected travelling at 162mph on the A43 Corby bypass in May this year.

After pleading guilty at Wellingborough Magistrates’ Court, Debono received the maximum driving ban the court can impose for speeding. Despite losing the privilege of holding a licence, Debono thought he was above the law.

At 10.45am on Sunday, November 5, Debono’s silver Porsche 911 Carrera car activated ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras in Northampton, alerting officers to the fact the registered owner was disqualified from driving.

When the officers stopped the vehicle in Bridge Street, Debono provided his brother’s details at first, however driving licence checks confirmed his true identity. He was arrested and subsequently charged with driving while disqualified and with no valid third-party insurance.

On Monday, November 6, at Northampton Magistrates’ Court, Debono pleaded guilty to the two charges and was further disqualified from driving for three months. He was also ordered to pay £114 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.

Arresting officer PC Michael Hollowell of the Roads Policing Team said: “Christopher Debono thought he was above the law and his actions clearly demonstrated a total disregard for the sanctions imposed by the court.

“Debono knew that he was not entitled to be driving yet chose to ignore the fact he had no licence or insurance. This was not just selfish but also dangerous, offering no financial protection to him or other road users if he had been involved in a collision.

“Everyone has a right to get home unharmed, and we are committed to improving road safety across our county by taking action against irresponsible drivers who have no right to be using our roads.”

Tragically in 2022, after being involved in a road collision in Northamptonshire, 36 people never returned home safely to their loved ones, and 347 required urgent medical assistance for serious and life-changing injuries.