Runcorn man jailed after continuing to drive whilst disqualified

A man from Runcorn who pretended to be his twin brother in an attempt to avoid being brought to justice for driving whilst disqualified has been jailed.

Lee Roberts, 39, parked up a white MG ZS hire car near his home on Thorn Road on Saturday 28 November after being told to stop by the police.

Suspecting that he was a disqualified driver, officers asked for his name and to see his driving licence.

Roberts claimed to be his twin brother and produced a driving licence bearing his sibling’s name.

He was questioned about this at the roadside and eventually admitted his true identity.

Roberts has not had a valid licence since being banned from driving in 2001.

He duped the DVLA to obtain the licence in his brother’s name.

His brother has his own licence and was unaware that Roberts also had one in his name.

Roberts subsequently admitted charges of driving whilst disqualified, using a motor vehicle without insurance and using a licence with intent to deceive.

He was sentenced at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday 5 May.

Roberts was jailed for 16 months, banned from driving for 20 months and ordered to pay a £156 victim surcharge.

Police Constable Phil Halliday, who led the investigation at Cheshire Constabulary’s Roads and Crime Unit, said: “Lee Roberts duped the DVLA into giving him a photocard driving licence in his brother’s name.

“He then tried to dupe the police by claiming to be his brother after being seen driving a hire car whilst banned.

“Driving a motor vehicle is a privilege, not a right.

“Roberts clearly thought he was above the law and that he could get away with driving whilst disqualified and not insured.

“He was sorely mistaken and is now behind bars facing the consequences of his actions.

“I hope this case provides some reassurance to motorists and that it, and the sentence that has been handed down by Chester Crown Court, deters others from continuing to drive when banned from doing so.”