Banned driver sees his disqualification cut by King’s Lynn magistrates

A banned driver had his disqualification reduced after convincing magistrates he had learned his lesson.

Krzysztof Czerek, 43, of Falconers Chase, Wymondham, was banned from driving for 56 months in July 2021 after he was convicted of three driving offences: driving while disqualified, driving without insurance, and drink driving.

Prosecutor Nicola Lamb outlined the circumstances that led to those convictions to Lynn magistrates on Thursday.

She told them he was driving on the A10 between West Winch and Downham Market when he veered across the carriageway into oncoming traffic and collided with a cement mixer truck before ploughing through a fence and into a property.

She said Czerek had then tried to leave the scene on foot but police had soon caught up with him. Czerek was clearly intoxicated but needed medical attention so a blood test was carried out while he was in hospital which showed he was nearly twice the limit – he had 153mg per 100ml of blood – the limit is 80mg.

As a result he later appeared in court where he received the 56-month driving ban due to the fact he was already banned for drink driving, plus a 12-week prison sentence suspended for 24 months, a fine, and a community order.

Ms Lamb told the court Czerek had the right to appeal the disqualification after a set period and that was how he was before the court.

Addressing the court unrepresented Czerek told magistrates there were no excuses for what he had done in the past and explained he was in a dark place at the time having split with his partner and being separated from his daughter.

He said he would like his driving licence back for work purposes and also to be able to see his daughter who lives in Lynn, while he now works in Felixstowe.

Czerek said he has now been three years sober and has rebuilt his life since the incident. He said he is in a good place mentally and still has regular therapy to help him.

Probation officer Lewis Spicer said Czerek had one breach of the community order but had otherwise complied.

William Hush, chair of magistrates, told Czerek that because he had previously disregarded his sentence by driving while disqualified they could not simply lift the ban as that would mean he would have served no more than anyone else who had two drink-driving convictions within 10 years.

However, magistrates did agree to reduce the ban by 12 months, which means he now has eight months to go instead of 20.