A man who drove home from a Harrogate court that had just banned him from driving has been sentenced again.
Matthew Testa, 51, from Whalley in Lancashire, was disqualified from driving for six months during a hearing at Harrogate Magistrates Court at around 11am on 18th December 2024.
He was warned by the court not to drive from that moment onwards.
However, a North Yorkshire Police prosecutor at court suspected he would get back behind the wheel, and passed details of his immediate disqualification to the force’s Roads Policing Group officers on patrol in the area.
At around 11.35am, officers spotted Testa driving his Porsche car on the A59 at Skipton.
He was stopped, and later charged with driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance or an MOT.
He pleaded guilty, and at Sheffield Magistrates Court on Friday (2nd May), he was given a ten-week custodial sentence and suspended for 12 months.
He was also fined £1,254, and disqualified from driving for 58 weeks.
North Yorkshire Police prosecutor Catherine Coady said:
“Testa knew he had been disqualified from driving – but within minutes he was back behind the wheel.
“He showed a total disregard for the court, and as a direct result of his actions, he now faces a far longer driving ban.”

Harrogate MP joins volunteers to deliver Meals on Wheels
'Cruel and controlling': Harrogate man jailed after years of abuse
Harrogate Brewing Co win awards for region's best beer
Ripon pub owners named national winners of community award
Knaresborough pubs to host premiere of festive film shot in the town
Air ambulance rescue teenager after horror quad bike crash near Pateley Bridge
Country estate set to be powered by solar energy
Harrogate law firm retains top-tier recognition in UK legal guides
Your Harrogate to launch Lewis Capaldi ticket giveaway during Stray Bonfire
Harrogate strongman set to compete for British title
Calls for Yorkshire Water Chief to resign following "immoral and unjustifiable" offshore payments
Long-established Harrogate tech shop set to move to bigger premises
Warnings after confirmation of bird flu in North Yorkshire
First look at Harewood House's Bridgerton-inspired Christmas
Harrogate's most festive pub to return this month
Ripon hotel scoops two national awards following public vote
Remembrance Sunday: Events, parades and road closures
Harrogate care residents race wheelchairs in support of Meals on Wheels
Harrogate stay and play café announces 'heartbreaking' closure
Newly refurbished pub near Knaresborough named among best in UK


