A man who drove with his hands tied together for a ‘laugh’ has been banned from the road.
James John Hayter, also known as James Manuel, 22 and of Claremont Avenue in Gillingham, was sentenced at Weymouth Magistrates’ Court today, Wednesday 16 January 2019, after pleading guilty to dangerous driving and driving without insurance.
He was banned from driving for 12 months, received a 170-hour community order and fined £420.
At 5.50pm on Friday 22 June 2018 two traffic officers were on patrol when they saw a blue Volkswagen Polo pull out of the Co-op car park onto Bay Road in Gillingham.
Officers ordered the vehicle to stop and discovered Hayter was the driver.
The car was insured to Hayter’s parents and he admitted that he was not insured to drive it.
The officers were shocked to discover that both of Hayter’s wrists were bound together through the steering wheel with black cable ties. He stated that his friend had done it for a laugh.
On Wednesday 22 August 2018 Hayter was interviewed and he admitted driving with his hands tied amounted to dangerous driving.
Following the incident, Hayter was made an Op Dragoon subject – which sees officers from the Force’s No Excuse team target those drivers who may pose a significant threat of causing risk or harm to both themselves and others. The team uses all means at its disposal to identify opportunities to deal with high risk road users including liaising with partner agencies, the DVLA and insurance companies to identify offences.
Police Sergeant Mark Farrow, of No Excuse, said: “James Hayter’s actions that day were foolish and reckless. It is nothing but sheer luck that this mindless prank did not lead to a collision or someone getting injured.
“Hayter is now banned from the road for a considerable period of time. He will remain an Op Dragoon target.
“Dorset Police regularly receives and acts upon valuable information provided by members of public in relation to drink and drug driving and other driving offences.”
For non-urgent matters, or to pass information about someone’s driving, please go to www.dorset.police.uk and follow the ‘Do it online’ function. Here you can pass all the details to Dorset Police via the online enquiry form. Members of the public can also email [email protected] or call 101. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
If you suspect someone is driving under the influence, dial 999 immediately.
