A BANNED west Cumbrian motorist who took over the driving when his partner became upset may now be facing the festive season behind bars. 

The act of kindness by 22-year-old Joshua Baker involved him committing his second disqualified driving offence this year, and landed him in court to face the consequences. 

At Carlisle's Rickergate court, the defendant, of Buckle Avenue, Cleator Moor, admitted driving while disqualified.

Peter Kelly, prosecuting, said police became involved on December 6 when officers saw the defendant driving a Renault Clio  on the A595 at the Distington Bypass.

They stopped the car and duly arrested him.

In March 2022, the court heard, Baker was prosecuted for dangerous driving and banned, the judge telling him that he will not be allowed to drive again until the ban expires and he has passed an extended test.

He was also given a suspended jail term.

In July, the defendant was back before the crown court for an offence of disqualified driving. He was given a three-month jail term, suspended for two years.

The latest offence, said Mr Kelly, placed Baker in breach of both suspended sentences.

Lauren Heasley, defending, said that on the day of the offence the defendant and his partner, in an emotional state for personal reasons, had decided they needed to get out of their house.

“Though his partner is insured, she is not a confident driver,” said the lawyer. “When they were out, she became very upset and the defendant foolishly decided to take them home.”

Baker had no reported drug and alcohol issues. He could also be subjected to a tagged curfew until the sentence hearing, said Miss Heasley.

District Judge John Temperley said Baker should be sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court and set the date for that hearing as January 5. He refused to grant the defendant bail, remanding him in custody.

The judge observed that being on a suspended jail sentence had thus far failed to prevent the defendant from reoffending.

Unless he can persuade a crown court judge to free him on bail, the defendant will spend the festive season behind bars.