Man banned from driving in his absence

A man convicted in his absence of driving without a licence and insurance has been banned from the roads.

Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court heard two police officers saw Martin McGowan, 31, driving a black Audi A6 a short distance on Holden Road, Leigh, on June 5, before it came to a stop at the junction with Whitfield Street.

They saw him walk away as they drove past and shouted for him to come back, Tess Kenyon, prosecuting, said.

McGowan said he had not been driving the vehicle, which belonged to his girlfriend.

He contacted her and she went to the car, but McGowan, who had a provisional driving licence, had the keys in his pocket.

McGowan, of Warrington Road, Leigh, pleaded not guilty to the two offences, but was found guilty at a trial held in his absence.

While he attended court for sentencing, he left before the case was called and it was dealt with in his absence.

Magistrates imposed six penalty points - adding to six he already had - and a six-month disqualification from driving.

He must pay a fine of £660, £150 prosecution costs and £66 victim surcharge within 14 days.