Boldon man put behind bars after he was caught breaching his driving ban

Alan Wake was given a suspended prison sentence and disqualified from driving last June after he crashed a BMW three times during one episode of dangerous driving in South Tyneside.

Newcastle Crown Court heard despite the ban, Wake was pulled over by the police while driving a Range Rover last November and refused to give a breath specimen.

Prosecutor Nicholas Lane said when Wake was stopped he was "unsteady on his feet and smelled strongly of alcohol" but did not properly comply with both roadside and mechanical breath tests.

Wake, 39, of Cheltenham Drive, Boldon, admitted failing to provide a specimen, driving while disqualified and breach of a suspended sentence order.

Judge Robert Adams today activated 12 months of the suspended prison term, followed by a further two months for the new offences, making a total of 14 months behind bars.

Wake, who has other driving convictions on his record, was given a three year and one month driving ban.

Judge Adams said he imposed the suspended jail term last June after Wake crashed a BMW into a transit van, which was shunted into a Corsa, then half an hour later he went into the back of a Toyota, which was shunted into a Ford Fiesta.

Wake then drove off but then crashed the BMW he was driving, into a lamppost.

Judge Adams said: "When I sentenced you I made it quite clear and said you richly deserved to go to prison but considered you were capable of rehabilitation.

"You now appear for further matters, committed during the currency of the suspended sentence.

Read South Tyneside's news on the go with our free email newsletters - bringing the headlines to your inbox. Catch up on the day's news and sport and enjoy even more from your Gazette. Visit our website here to find out more and sign up.

"I think the public would rightly question what I was doing if I took the view I should be giving you another chance, given the seriousness of the previous matter.

"I would be failing in my public duty if I did not activate the suspended sentence.

"You were given a chance on the last occasion. It is with great regret we are back in this position."

Rachel Hedworth, defending, said Wake got in the car that night last November because he needed to transport medication to a child, who desperately needed it.

Miss Hedworth said Wake has family and business commitments and an immediate prison sentence could have a devastating impact on him and others.