A new father was apprehended driving unlawfully on the M6 motorway shortly after the birth of his first child, Birmingham Magistrates' Court was told.
Dawid Rapczynski, aged 26, of Parsons Street, Dudley, was stopped by police while driving an Audi A6 northbound on the M6 to take his “poorly” mother home after a visit, despite being banned from driving and uninsured at the time.
The incident occurred on June 18, and Rapczynski admitted to driving while disqualified and using a motor vehicle without third-party insurance.
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Sentencing on July 28, District Judge Murray remarked, “If my maths is correct, the baby would have been two months old then. I’m surprised that immediately after the baby was born, you decided to breach a court order.”
Prosecuting barrister Ms Begum stated that upon stopping the vehicle, officers found Rapczynski to be banned from driving. During a roadside interview, he provided a full and frank admission of his offence.
Rapczynski had previously been disqualified for driving with excess alcohol.
Defence solicitor Ms Ali acknowledged that his reason for driving did not amount to an emergency. She explained, “He understands the seriousness of breaching a community order. He expressed remorse and explained his mother was unwell, and he was dropping her home after she visited him in Nottingham. However, he accepts there was no substantial emergency.”
She added that Rapczynski has a limited criminal record, with the last court appearance relating to the current disqualification, and highlighted his honest admission to police.
District Judge Murray imposed a 24-week custodial sentence suspended for one year, stating, “It is now in your hands.”
The judge cited aggravating factors including carrying a passenger, driving on a motorway, and the absence of any valid reason to drive.
Rapczynski received an additional 18-month driving ban, resulting in a total ban of 31 months, and was ordered to pay £239 in court costs.
The judge concluded with a warning: “If you drive while disqualified, you will go to prison.”