Downham car dealer admits driving while disqualified

A car dealer who was banned from driving was caught “warming up” a vehicle for a potential customer.

A police officer on patrol in Paradise car park in Downham at about 4.30pm on December 18 last year recognised Bryn Lewis Ballantyne as the driver of a VW Golf. Checks confirmed he was disqualified.

Lynn magistrates heard yesterday that Ballantyne, who was appearing in court five days after his 21st birthday, told police that he bought and sold cars and the Golf had been left there.

Jane Walker, prosecuting, told the bench: “He said he had driven the vehicle to warm it up and make sure it was OK.

“He said he had no intention of going on the road but confirmed he knew the car park was part of the highway.”

Ballantyne, of High Street, Downham, is banned from the roads until December this year.

He pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified, having no insurance and using a vehicle without a valid MOT.

Ruth Johnson, mitigating, said: “He’s self-employed, buying and selling cars. That’s how he puts food on the table. He’s obviously in a difficult position now and he’s a car down because the police have it.”

For driving while disqualified, Ballantyne was given six penalty points and a 12-month community order with 150 hours of unpaid work. There was no separate penalty on the insurance and MOT charges. He was also ordered to pay an £85 victim surcharge.