Judge warns Hartlepool dangerous driver that his disability is unlikely to save him from prison

Leon Adams, 23, was due to be sentenced at Teesside Crown Court on Tuesday, March 23, for a number of driving offences from last July and a serious assault on his girlfriend.

His barrister asked for the case to be put back so a pre-sentence report could be prepared.

Thomas Parsons-Munn, defending, said Adams is still suffering the effects of a motorcycle accident in September 2019 which has left him unable to walk without the aid of crutches.

He said: “On that basis the defence would submit that an immediate custodial sentence would have an entirely disproportionate effect upon this defendant compared to an able-bodied one.”

The judge granted the report but pointed out that Adams was still able to commit the offences despite his disabilities and said it would probably not save him from a prison sentence.

Judge Jonathan Carroll said: “It’s highly likely if not almost inevitable these offences when taken together will result in an immediate custodial sentence.”

Adams, of Innes Road, Hartlepool, falls to be sentenced for driving while disqualified, drink driving, dangerous driving and having no insurance all on July 6 last year.

He has also pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm without intent on his girlfriend on February 6 last year.

Adams was granted bail and will return to the crown court to be sentenced on Tuesday, May 4.

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