Dog breeder from Walpole St Peter avoids prison sentence after driving while disqualified

A man who was previously disqualified from driving appeared back in court after getting back behind the wheel again and then lying to police about his identity.

Simon Barrett, 31, of Church Road, Walpole St Peter, was in Lynn's Magistrates Court on Thursday where he pleaded guilty to the offences of driving while disqualified, using a vehicle without insurance and obstructing a police officer of their duty.

Prosecutor Colette Harper outlined to magistrates, led by chair Pat Isbill, that on Thursday, December 22, 2022 at around 1pm, officers spotted Barrett driving on the A47 at Walpole Highway and stopped him on suspicion that he was driving while disqualified.

A young child was a passenger in the Ford Europe transit van that Barrett was driving and when officers asked for Barrett's name, he gave that of his brother.

Officers could tell it was Barrett from the tattoos on his hands and he was then arrested.

Barrett has a total of 18 previous convictions including one for drug driving in 2020 in which he was disqualified until November 2023, meaning he was in breach of his sentence.

Mitigating for Barrett was Andrew Cogan, who said that Barrett was taking his son out to get a toy for Christmas.

"I've known this man for a period of time," said Mr Cogan.

"It was a stupid and irrational decision to make, Mr Barrett is capable of going to prison, but it's his partner you should be concerned about.

"His partner is heavily pregnant and has health problems. When the baby arrives Mr Barrett will be a full time carer to his partner and two children."

Mr Cogan went on to explain how Barrett would have to surrender his dog breeding business if he was sent to prison and that his behaviour was out of character.

"He has a history of drink and drugs, but he hasn't touched anything for the last two years.

"It will have a knock-on effect on his family."

Magistrates decided to fine Barrett £200 with an added victim surcharge fee of £80 and court costs of £105.

Another 12 months were added to Barrett's driving ban and was given a 12 month conditional discharge for lying to the police officer.