Man fined after riding motorbike ‘not realising he was disqualified’

A man who borrowed a neighbour’s motorbike to go and pick up his prescription was caught riding it in Keynsham while disqualified and without insurance or MOT.

John Coggins appeared in custody at Bath Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 3rd September.

He should have attended court on 23rd July in relation to the offences, but failed to turn up so a warrant was issued for his arrest.

The 51-year-old had been stopped police in Queens Road on 27th March while using the Yamaha motorcycle, and checks were carried out.

He used to live in Ludlow Close in Keynsham but following the breakdown of his marriage now lives in a caravan at Phoenix Marina at Broadmead Lane in the town.

The court heard that Coggins had not changed his address on his driving licence since moving, and his post goes to a central area.

Duty solicitor Sam Stevens told magistrates that Coggins used to have his own business installing safety nets, but was no longer able to work due to a heart condition and is on benefits.

He hadn’t realised he had been disqualified and believed his licence details were given by someone else for driving offences, which had resulted in the ‘totting up’ of points.

Mr Stevens said Coggins had borrowed the Yamaha motorcycle to go to the pharmacy to get his medication, as his condition means he struggles to walk.

Magistrates fined Coggins £200 for driving whilst disqualified, endorsed his licence and banned him from the road for six months.

He was also fined £120 for driving without insurance and his licence was endorsed.

Magistrates also ordered him to pay a £128 surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.

They made no separate penalty for the MOT offence.