Man jailed for driving offences

A man has been jailed for 20 weeks after being found guilty of driving offences.

Shamraize Ali, 35, of Branston Road, Burton, was sentenced at Cannock Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (15 February) after being found guilty of driving while disqualified and using a motor vehicle on a road/public place without third party insurance.

Ali has also been disqualified from driving for 18 months, to start following his release, ordered to take an extended driving test and to pay a surcharge of £128.

He had pleaded not guilty to both offences at an earlier hearing at Cannock Magistrates’ Court on 28 July 2021.

The court heard how the suspect, witnessed by an officer, was seen driving a white Peugeot Partner van on the wrong side of Burton Road, Branston heading towards Burton on 29 January 2021 at around 2.25pm.

The suspect continued to overtake vehicles at speed and the officer in pursuit turned off his lights and sirens due to seeing vehicles having to stop to prevent a collision.

Another witness reported seeing a van driving at speed and overtaking vehicles.

The suspect was voluntarily interviewed on 19 February 2021.

Detective Sergeant Jonathan Bradbury, of Staffordshire Police, said: “Ali had a complete disregard for other road users at the time and put several drivers at risk.

“We welcome the court’s decision to ban Ali for 18 months as our roads have no place for such behaviour.”