CHARLES ANTHONY MORRELL, a 48-year-old resident of Newport, Pembrokeshire, appeared before the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire Magistrates’ Court in Haverfordwest to face charges related to driving offences. The defendant, also known by the alias Mr Charles Anthony Gaskin, stood accused of driving a motor vehicle while disqualified and without insurance.

The court heard that on 25th October 2021, in Hinckley, Leicestershire, Mr Morrell was caught operating a motor vehicle, specifically an e-scooter, on Trinity Road while disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence.

The offence was in violation of Section 103(1)(b) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and Schedule 2 to the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988.

Having been convicted at the Leicester and Rutland Magistrates’ Court on 11th April 2022, Mr Morrell’s case was subsequently brought before the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire Magistrates’ Court for sentencing. The defendant was found guilty and faced the consequences of his actions.

The presiding judge handed down a community order, requiring Mr Morrell to comply with certain conditions until 16th May 2024. This included a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement, where the offender must attend appointments and participate in activities as directed by the responsible officer, for a maximum of 25 days.

In addition to the community order, the defendant was fined £200 for his unlawful actions on the road. Mr Morrell was also ordered to pay a surcharge of £114 to fund victim services and costs of £85 to the Crown Prosecution Service. A collection order was made to ensure the payments are duly collected.

Furthermore, the court imposed a discretionary disqualification for a period of six months, preventing Mr Morrell from holding or obtaining a driving licence. The defendant’s driving record was endorsed, and notification of the conviction was sent to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

In a separate charge, related to the same incident on 25th October 2021, Mr Morrell was found guilty of using a vehicle, namely an e-scooter, on Trinity Road without valid insurance. This contravened Section 143 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and Schedule 2 to the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988. Although no separate penalty was given for this offence, the defendant’s driving record was endorsed, and notification of the conviction was sent to the DVLA.

Charles Anthony Morrell pleaded guilty by post to the charges against him. The guilty plea was taken into account when determining the sentence.

As part of the sentence, Mr Morrell was given the opportunity to pay the fines and costs in monthly instalments of £24.00, starting from 14th June 2023.

The judgement serves as a reminder that driving while disqualified and without proper insurance are serious offences, with potential consequences that can include fines, community orders, and driving disqualifications.