Suzuki driver drove on A449 to Much Marcle when his licence had been revoked on medical grounds

Michael Vernall, of Childer Road, Ledbury, admitted riding a motor vehicle when failing to comply with solid white line road markings, and driving a motor vehicle on a road after revocation of driving licence on account of disability when he appeared in front of Worcester magistrates. 

Colin Phillips, prosecuting, said Vernall was spotted by police driving a Suzuki GSXR 1000 on the A449 heading to Much Marcle at around 1.30pm on March 20 this year, going over a solid white line to overtake vehicles.

FINED: Michael Vernall has been fined for riding a Suzuki motorbike. Pictures: Getty Images/Facebook (Image: Getty Images/facebook)

Mr Phillips said police carried out a driving licence check which revealed Vernall's licence had been revoked on medical grounds in March 2020.

Belinda Ariss, defending Vernall, explained he had committed the offence as the driver in front kept accelating and hard breaking, so the 47-year-old had felt the safest thing to do was to overtake them. 

"He did it for his own safety," Mrs Ariss said. 

COURT: Michael Vernall appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court
"He fully accepts he should have waited (untill he could overtake)."

Mrs Ariss said Vernall had previously been alcohol dependent but had not been for seven years. 

She explained to hold a licence, since 2013, he had been required to take an annual blood test. 

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Mrs Ariss said he did that successfully until 2020 but he did not get a letter from the DVLA, saying the test was due. 

"He believed, wrongly, he was still able to drive," Mrs Ariss said. 

"Since finding out (he was not legally able to drive) he has not driven."

Magistrates tell Michael Vernall he had learnt a 'hard lesson'

Nicola Phillips, chairman of the magistrates bench, told Vernall he was going to learn a "hard lesson" as it had been his responsiblity to check he could drive. 

She reassured him they were not sending him to jail, one of the possible options available to them. 

"Thank you," Vernall replied.

Vernall was given six penalty points.

He was fined a total of £900, ordered to pay costs of £110 and victim surcharge of £90. 

He was given 28 days to pay the total, £1,100, in full.

The case was heard at Worcester Magistrates Court on October 5.