Driver Daniel Grant pleads with magistrates not to ban him 'because he works for Formula 1 team'
by Lynn Cox
A driver who claims to test drive Formula 1 cars for the
McLaren team has narrowly avoided a driving ban after magistrates
heard he would lose his job if he lost his licence.
Daniel Grant, 27, was found guilty in his absence of driving
without insurance and driving other than in accordance with a
licence after being pulled over in an Audi A4, in Strood, in
April.
The court found him guilty in September, but adjourned to
consider whether or not to disqualify him from driving, as he
already had six points for a speeding offence.
Grant, of King George Road, Chatham, appeared before magistrates
in Medway this week.
He told the bench because he had been working abroad in Italy,
he did not realise his insurance was not still in place.
He said that since being charged, he had renewed his licence -
something every motorist has to do every 10 years - via the
DVLA.
Grant also told magistrates he was working with the McLaren
Formula 1 team, whose drivers include Jenson Button and Lewis
Hamilton (pictured above).
He said: "I'm part of the pit crew and will go around the world
with the team. I will lose my job and these opportunities if I lose
my licence."
Magistrates said they decided not to ban him as they did not
want him to lose his job.
Daniel Grant was
sentenced at Medway Magistrates' Court
He was given another six points on his licence for driving
without insurance and was fined £1,000. The fined him £300 for
driving otherwise in accordance with a licence and ordered he pay
£85 court costs.
Rodney Chambers, chairman of the bench, said: "We have listened
to what you have said and we see you need a vehicle to get to your
employment.
"We are not going to disqualify you today as we feel it will
bring undue hardship on you.
"However, you have 12 points on your licence now and you can’t
get any more."
09/11/12
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