Driver Banned Three Times Caught Behind Wheel Again in Blakeney

Sam Cooke, age 40, had issues. Police followed him while he was banned from driving. He then called 999 about a fake theft. He told the Norwich court a wild tale, claiming keys went missing at an event and his car was gone upon his return.

But police went to his given address, only to find he did not live there anymore. They located him using his phone data. Holly Postle said he then confessed to making up the story to hide his driving, knowing he was not allowed to drive.

Postle stated Cooke drove and saw a police car, leading him to panic and report the car stolen in a quick, bad decision. Cooke admitted three charges in court, including driving while disqualified, lacking car insurance, and making a false police report.

The court was told about his driving ban, which started in August 2024 and lasted six months due to penalty points. He drove unlawfully on October 5, using a Vauxhall Insignia in Blakeney. Police stopped him again on November 27 in North Walsham.

He drove a VW Scirocco while drunk on Dalling Road in Langham. Cooke admitted to the drunk driving on January 3. His sentencing got moved to April 1, as the court wants more info before sentencing, noting he could even go to jail.

Andrew Spence spoke for Cooke, saying Cooke knew about the ban but did not fully understand it. Spence said the theft claim was a mistake, that Cooke panicked about getting caught and quickly admitted his wrongdoing.