28 Nov Community order for driver who was already banned
A “promising” freelance film producer was handed a 12-month community order and disqualified from driving for one year after pleading guilty to three charges at City of London Magistrates Court on Friday.
Ahmed Katuba-Kamara, 31 admitted to possession of cannabis, a class B drug along with two motoring offenses, driving without insurance and driving whilst he had been disqualified only 17 days earlier. Prosecutor Malachy Packenham told the court that Mr Katuba-Kamara was pulled over by police on at 8:45PM on 4th November. Officers discovered a small bag of cannabis and a spliff in his Mercedes and the following day under interview, he admitted to driving without insurance and whilst disqualified.
Defending, Andrew Johnstone said Mr Katuba-Kamara had been experiencing a particularly difficult period in his life. He told the court that his client was “having a bad year due to his mother being ill and dealing with the breakup of his relationship.”
The magistrate Edward McMullen told Mr Katuba-Kamara that driving so soon after being disqualified was “an aggravating factor that warrants an extended driving ban and the addition of a new community order.” Mr McMullen however accepted that Mr Katuba-Kamara broke the order to see his severely ill mother.
