Banned driver caught taking mum's car to buy cigarettes

Teen smoking news read on this link: www.tobacco-news.net/category/teens-smoking

RUNNING out of cigarettes landed a Burry Port youngster in court when he was caught driving while disqualified. Benjamin Samuel, 21, of Llys Ashburnham, took his mother's car without consent while she was on holiday and drove it while disqualified to buy more cigarettes, Llanelli magistrates were told last Thursday. He pleaded guilty to both offences, as well as an offence of possessing 2.44 grams of cocaine — which, when questioned by police, he told officers he had at home.

Prosecuting, Gerald Neave said officers were parked in Cliff Terrace on May 19 when their attention was drawn to a black Renault Megane, which immediately turned off the main road on seeing the police car. "PC Saunders illuminated the blue lights and followed the car into the estate," he said. "As the police turned in, they saw the vehicle had turned off the road into a parking area. "The door was flung open and the driver ran away. "Officers immediately recognised him and knew he was disqualified from driving."

Samuel ran out of sight as he fled through gardens to get away, but officers knew his house was only a short distance away, the court heard, and arrived as he walked in. He was arrested on suspicion of driving while disqualified and taking a vehicle without consent, and in interview told officers he had cocaine on his bookcase. "The PC was aware that there were other officers at the address, and asked Sergeant Heulwen Aston if there were drugs in that location," said Mr Neave. "She confirmed there were."

The street value of the powder was estimated to be £122, magistrates were told. Defending, Daniel Griffiths said Samuel was subject to a 20 month community order for driving with excess alcohol, and that there were concerns about the progress made. "The probation officer thinks it's a good idea to adjourn the case to prepare a report as far as sentencing is concerned," he said. The case was adjourned until tomorrow.