Outwell lorry driver didn't tell employer he was banned, court told

A banned lorry driver narrowly escaped an immediate jail term because of the financial effect it would have on his partner and children.

Lynn magistrates heard that 22-year-old Conner Peckham did not appreciate the seriousness of his situation when he appeared in court on four charges yesterday.

He was initially unrepresented but was advised to see the duty solicitor.

Prosecuting, Nicola Pope said Peckham was driving a lorry containing engine oils from Lichfield to Lynn on October 9. It had been claimed that Peckham had been selling similar items on Facebook.

A tracker on the vehicle showed that it stopped in a lay-by for 22 minutes. It was later noted that a pallet of goods to the value of £450 was missing.

Miss Pope said police stopped Peckham in his own vehicle a short time later. He admitted he was disqualified from driving but thought it only affected his lorry licence.

All but one of the stolen items was recovered.

Peckham, of Birdbeck Drive, Outwell, pleaded guilty to theft by employee, driving while disqualified, failing to disclose to Carl Green of GE-BE Transport his driving licence status in order to make a gain for himself, and using a vehicle without insurance.

Mitigating, solicitor Tim Bartlam said Peckham had been an HGV driver since he was 19 but now found himself in a considerable amount of debt.

“His debts have been made greater by the fact he has lost his job,” Mr Bartlam added.

“He did two days’ work out of desperation. His partner works five days a week and he is responsible for looking after two children, aged four and one. He maintains very firmly that he wasn’t trying to sell goods online.”

Chairman of the bench, Stuart Hall, told Peckham: “The offences are so serious that the only appropriate sentence is a term of imprisonment.

“We have listened to what has been said and if you were to go to custody today that would have a profound financial effect on your partner and children.”

Peckham was given a total of 14 weeks’ prison - suspended for 18 months – for three of the offences. There was no separate penalty for having no insurance but his licence will be endorsed.

He was disqualified from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay a £115 victim surcharge and £22.76 compensation.