A Birmingham man made a regrettable decision when he borrowed a friend’s BMW to visit his girlfriend, only to end up stuck between the car seats while trying to evade police officers, a court heard.
Luke Raybould, 27, of Collingbourne Avenue, was caught on April 25 attempting to squeeze into the back seat of the vehicle during a police stop in Chelmsley Wood. His attempt to avoid capture failed when he literally became wedged between the front and back seats.
The court learned that Raybould is disqualified from driving until March 2027 as part of a community order, having previously been banned for dangerous driving. It remains unclear whether he has ever held a valid driving licence.
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Prosecutor Alisha Collins described the incident: “While on patrol, officers stopped the BMW and witnessed the defendant’s unsuccessful attempt to escape into the rear seat. He initially provided false details.”
Raybould pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and driving without insurance. His solicitor, Mr Khattak, explained his client’s mental health challenges and voiced that Raybould was unable to undertake unpaid work.
“He borrowed a friend’s car to visit his girlfriend who was going through a difficult time,” Mr Khattak told the court. “It was a silly mistake, and he regrets his actions after spending time in custody.”
The magistrates adjourned sentencing until August 3 to allow for a pre-sentence report. Chair of the Magistrates, Mr Morgan, cautioned Raybould: “Don’t be tempted to drive a car.”