A disqualified driver has been handed a suspended prison sentence and fined over £300 after driving on the A1(M) in a recovery truck without a license, or insurance, and in a defective vehicle. 

Brian Alan Charles Robson, 50, of Easson Road, Darlington, managed to avoid an immediate prison sentence after he was caught on the major A-road by officers from North Yorkshire Police last year. 

Robson was travelling in a DAF recovery vehicle between junctions 49 and 50 of the A1(M) on June 13, 2022, when officers highlighted that he didn't have insurance, a licence, and he was disqualified from driving at the time of the offence. 

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According to court documents, the 50-year-old was also reprimanded by the police for not securely fastening a Range Rover he was carrying to the recovery truck.

It only had two straps holding the vehicle on the alloy wheel, not around the entire tyre.

During the police stop, Robson was also charged with wilfully obstructing a police officer in their duty. 

He appeared at Cleveland Magistrates' Court on February 2 to be sentenced after he had already pleaded guilty to all the charges brought against him on a previous court appearance.

In court, he was handed a 14-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and banned from obtaining a licence for two years. 

Robson was also fined £120, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £128, and Crown Prosecution costs of £85 - totalling £333.

He must also complete 40 hours of unpaid work, and attend a 20-day rehabilitation programme.