Ledbury police officer accused of driving police vehicles while banned

PC Miles Caffull, of Saxon Way, Ledbury, is charged with three counts of driving while disqualified and three counts of using a motor vehicle without third party insurance.

The prosecution alleges the 28-year-old committed the offences earlier this year.

Magistrates heard the crown alleges he drove a Kia in Westgate Island, Gloucester, and elsewhere on May 26 this year; various marked police vehicles including a Vauxhall Astra and Peugeot 308 between May 27 and June 15 in Gloucester and elsewhere.

COURT: Caffull leaving Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

And there is a further charge Caffull drove a marked police car, a Peugeot 308, on June 16 on various roads in Gloucester. 

Caffull is also facing two charges of having no insurance which the prosecution says took place on the same dates. 

During Caffull's appearance at Worcester Magistrates Court he spoke only to confirm his name and address and to confirm his understood the allegations.

No pleas were entered during the hearing.

When the case was called on the court clerk explained to the defendant an important part of the preparation, notifying the chief magistrates officer, had not been completed as the case would need to go before a district judge. 

COURT: Caffull's case was heard on Thursday (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

The clerk explained for that reason the case would need to be adjourned. 

Melanie Winterflood, prosecuting, said before the next hearing it was likely the charges would be formed into one, making them much more succinct. 

Colin Phillips, defended Caffull during the hearing on Thursday, (November 30).

Celia Cundale, chairperson of the magistrates bench, told Caffull they were agreeing for the adjournment for the "important step" of the notification to be made. 

COURT: Worcester Magistrates Court

The chairperson told Caffull to attend the next hearing which was scheduled for Kidderminster Magistrates Court on January 15. 

The chairperson said that the defendant would have unconditional bail, adding he should keep in touch with his solicitor. 

Gloucestershire Police has previously revealed Caffull was disqualified from driving in May this year after receiving 12 points of his licence for speeding offences, but had not disclosed these to the force.

He was suspended from duty in June this year.

“He was charged following an investigation by the Constabulary’s Professional Standards Department and remains subject to ongoing misconduct proceedings,"  a force spokesperson added.