A SOUTHAMPTON man with a string of driving convictions has been banned from the roads. Tony Baker drove like an idiot and was in danger of killing somebody when he jumped red lights in Southampton, warned a crown court judge. The 66-year-old had been spotted driving a white van by officers in an unmarked patrol car in the Shirley ward of the city. Prosecution barrister Alex Williams said how a police camera “showed that the driver was subject to a disqualification. “They made attempts to request the vehicle to stop.” However, Baker of Coxford Drove, Southampton sped off. Mr Williams added how he “accelerated away from the police vehicle through a red traffic light where a pedestrian was about to cross the road.”
Tony Rumsey In response, Councillor Steve Leggett, Cabinet Member for Green City and Place vowed that “new resident parking schemes around UHS [were] due to [start] in early 2021.” Southampton City Council (SCC) has followed through with this pledge in deciding to make resident permits available in the Maybush area from May 2021. Mr Rumsey said: “I’ve been waiting for this for ten years - I can get my car back on the road now. Councillor Tammy Thomas, herself in favour of parking permits, said: “I am told, by many residents, that the parking situation has become unbearable along Coxford Drove and Palm Road.
By Tom Orde Crime and court reporter
Eight people who have appeared in Southampton Magistrates Court The following cases were heard at Southampton Magistrates’ Court. LEE CHRISTOPHER BEDWELL, 49, of Sutherland Road, Southampton. Pleaded guilty to criminal damage and admitted breaching a suspended sentence. Committed to prison for four weeks, suspended for 18 months. Restraining order made until February 2024. Rehabilitation activity requirement of 25 days. Ordered to pay £200 compensation, £100 court costs and £100 fine. STEVEN PAUL GILMORE, 61, of Radnor Road, Luton. Pleaded guilty to drink driving. Disqualified from driving for 16 months and fined £250. Ordered to pay £34 victim surcharge and £85 court costs. EMMA LOUISE MCINDOE, 30, of Andrew Lane, New Milton. Pleaded guilty to shoplifting. Committed to prison for 20 days. Ordered to pay £128 victim surcharge.